IATA Calls for Stronger Action on Undeclared Dangerous Goods
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is calling for stronger cooperation across the air cargo supply chain to address the growing risk of undeclared and mis-declared dangerous goods.
According to IATA, around 80% of dangerous goods incidents reported to the association in the first half of 2025 involved undeclared or hidden dangerous goods. Lithium batteries, e-cigarettes and aerosols were among the products most commonly identified.
IATA stresses that traditional aviation security screening is an important layer of protection but cannot provide a complete solution, as existing screening systems were primarily designed to detect explosives and security threats rather than the full range of hazardous materials.
The association is therefore advocating a multi-layered approach involving the entire cargo supply chain. Governments should strengthen enforcement, manufacturers and online marketplaces should provide accurate product information, while shippers, freight forwarders and postal operators should improve training, acceptance controls and the use of shipment data to identify higher-risk cargo before it reaches airports.
Airlines, ground handlers and airports also have an important role through stronger pre-loading checks, coordination and information sharing. The message from IATA is clear: reducing undeclared dangerous goods requires cooperation across the entire logistics chain rather than relying on airport screening alone.
Image source: iata.org