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      IATA Guidelines

      Explore how IATA guidelines enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability in the global air cargo industry.

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      Key IATA Guidelines for Air Cargo

      Below are a few key IATA guidelines that specifically impact air cargo transport:

      • Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR)
      • Live Animals Regulations (LAR)
      • Perishable Cargo Regulations (PCR)
      • ULD Regulations (ULDR):
      • Guidelines for the safe and efficient use of unit load devices (ULDs) in air cargo transport.
      • Cargo-XML (CXML): A standard for electronic data interchange in air cargo, facilitating seamless communication between stakeholders.

      Source: IATA

      IATA's Role in the Air Cargo Journey

      Let's take a look at a typical air cargo journey and see where the relevant IATA guidelines and services come into play:

      1. Manufacturers & Shippers:

      • Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR): If shipping hazardous materials, strict adherence to DGR is crucial for proper classification, packaging, labeling, documentation, and handling.
      • Perishable Cargo Regulations (PCR): For perishable goods, following PCR guidelines on temperature control, packaging, and time/route planning ensures product integrity.
      • Live Animals Regulations (LAR): If shipping live animals, LAR dictates container specifications, handling procedures, and documentation to ensure animal welfare.

      2. Origin Forwarders & Trucking Companies:

      • TACT (The Air Cargo Tariff & Tonnage Conference): Forwarders rely on TACT rules for accurate pricing, routing, and documentation of shipments.
      • Cargo-XML (CXML): Electronic data interchange standards like CXML streamline communication between forwarders, airlines, and other stakeholders.

      3. Airport Ground Handlers (Origin and Destination):

      ISAGO (IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations): Certification in ISAGO demonstrates a handler's adherence to safety and quality standards, crucial for cargo integrity.
      ULD Regulations (ULDR): Proper handling and build-up of Unit Load Devices (ULDs) like pallets and containers is essential to maximize space and prevent damage.

      4. Aircraft Cargo Hold (Air Carrier):

      Temperature Control Regulations (TCR): For temperature-sensitive shipments, airlines must comply with TCR to maintain the correct environment throughout the flight.

      5. Customs Authorities:

      • Harmonized System (HS) Codes: IATA works with the World Customs Organization to ensure standardized coding for goods, facilitating customs clearance.
      • e-AWB (electronic Air Waybill): Digital documentation speeds up customs processes and reduces errors.

      6. Warehousing:

      • Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics (CEIV Pharma): Certification ensures proper handling and storage of pharmaceutical products according to strict temperature and security requirements.

      7. Ground Transportation:

      • Cargo Security Screening (CSS): IATA guidelines help ensure that cargo is screened for security threats before being loaded onto trucks or planes.

      Additional Considerations:

      • Environmental Assessment (IEnvA): Airlines and other stakeholders can use this IATA program to measure and improve their environmental performance.
      • Training Programs: IATA offers various training courses on DGR, LAR, PCR, and other topics to ensure personnel are qualified to handle cargo safely and compliantly.

      By understanding and applying the relevant IATA guidelines and services at each stage of the air cargo journey, logistics providers can ensure the safety, efficiency, and integrity of their shipments, contributing to a more reliable and sustainable global supply chain.

      VIDEO: What is IATA and how does it work?

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      What is IATA?

      The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is the trade association for the world's airlines, representing some 300 airlines comprising 83% of global air traffic. Founded in 1945, IATA's mission is to represent, lead, and serve the airline industry. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, with executive offices in Geneva, Switzerland, IATA focuses on developing global standards for safety, security, efficiency, and sustainability. Their work impacts everything from baggage handling to fuel efficiency and air traffic management. Through collaboration and advocacy, IATA shapes the future of aviation, making it safer, more efficient, and more sustainable.

      Industry Example: IATA Regulations on Healthcare & Pharma

      IATA offers a number of resources and certifications to help organizations involved in the transportation of pharmaceuticals and healthcare products, including vaccines. In order to ensure the quality of the product, IATA states that vaccine handling and transportation must comply with international regulatory requirements and manufacturers' requirements, at controlled temperatures, and without delay. Additionally, IATA offers training related to vaccine transportation, which can be customized for an organization's business objectives and needs. Some of the training programs offered include Audit, Quality and Risk Management for Temperature Controlled Cargo, and Temperature Controlled Cargo Operations.

      Read more about pharma and healthcare logistics in this guide.

      growth pharma market eu

      TACT

      TACT, or The Air Cargo Tariff and Tonnage Conference, is an IATA solution that provides Air Cargo professionals with all the information they need to transport Air Cargo worldwide. For over 40 years, TACT rules have remained the ultimate reference for air cargo.TACT is used by Air Cargo workers worldwide to prepare and ship cargo safely and efficiently. Some of the benefits of using TACT include: up-to-date operational and compliance information for Air Cargo shipments, and a streamlined communication process.

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