The global representative body for the airline industry, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the intergovernmental agency responsible for overseeing the regulation of civil aviation, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), have extended their cooperation regarding the safe carrying of dangerous goods by aircraft. This was done with the conclusion of an agreement between the two organisations, during a visit to IATA’s head office, in Geneva, Switzerland, by ICAO secretary general Juan Carlos Salazar. (ICAO’s head office is in Montreal, Canada.)

“The safe carriage of dangerous goods has become common practice, thanks to the strict adherence to global standards and guidelines,” highlighted IATA director-general Willie Walsh. “Today’s agreement ensures that dangerous goods will continue to be handled according to the highest globally applicable standards. To this effect, IATA will continue its advocacy work with key stakeholders to maintain a globally aligned, and practically focused approach to the regulated transport of dangerous goods. This will lead to more efficient and robust supply chains whilst upholding aviation’s number one priority of safety.”

ICAO’s Annex 18, which outlines broad principles for the air transport of dangerous goods, was adopted in 1984. The provisions of Annex 18 are amplified by the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air; these are the detailed instructions needed to ensure the safe international air transport of dangerous goods. They also supply inspection and oversight guidance to States.

However, IATA issued its first guidance for the safe air transport of dangerous goods as far back as 1956. The association has been devising standards and updating this guidance ever since.

Since the first issuance of ICAO’s abovementioned Technical Instructions, IATA has worked, and continues to work, with the aviation sector to develop practical tools and operational recommendations needed to implement them. These are the Dangerous Goods Regulations, which are global and applied to the complete value chain, from manufacturers through shippers, to airlines, freight forwarders and ground handlers. These regulations include everything necessary for the consistent, practical implementation of the safe acceptance, inspection, handling and carriage of dangerous goods by aeroplanes.