The International Air Transport Association (IATA) introduced the IATA Air Cargo Device Assessment Program, designed to validate air cargo tracking devices, data loggers, and sensor-equipped devices to comply with stringent industry safety standards.“The fastest-growing segments of air cargo are pharmaceuticals, perishables, electronics, and high-value goods. Shippers rely on various battery-powered electronic devices to monitor these sensitive shipments to ensure their integrity. The IATA Air Cargo Device Assessment will confirm that these devices comply with strict industry safety standards,” said Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo.
The IATA Air Cargo Device Assessment ensures compliance with IATA’s Recommended Practice 1693, which provides essential safety guidance for electromagnetic compatibility and battery safety. Validation data will be accessible via ONE Source, offering a single access point for stakeholders searching for approved tracking devices.
THE BOX, a reusable packing solution by LivingPackets Group, is the first product validated by the Air Cargo Device Assessment program.
“IATA validation is crucial for THE BOX because our customers want to know that our product complies with global standards. Having IATA validate compliance with its strict safety standards makes our product universally acceptable for use across the air cargo industry. That is particularly important for an innovation like THE BOX as it is the first smart reusable packing for use in air cargo. The Air Cargo Device Assessment gives it instant global recognition,” said Denis Mourrain, LivingPackets Group COO.
The IATA Air Cargo Device Assessment offers significant benefits across the air cargo industry. It streamlines the validation process for device manufacturers by eliminating repetitive documentation requirements, facilitates easier access to airline contacts for device authorization, and enhances visibility in the global market.
Airlines benefit from safer operations with fewer undeclared devices, simplified internal approval processes, and a consolidated repository of approved devices.
Shippers and forwarders gain centralized access to approved device information, enabling better routing and carrier selection planning. Overall, the program will lead to more effective delivery of time- and temperature-sensitive shipments, reducing waste and preserving the integrity of shipments.
