The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has introduced the IATA Air Cargo Device Assessment Program to validate tracking devices, data loggers, and sensor-equipped devices in air cargo for compliance with strict industry safety standards.

Brendan Sullivan, IATA's global head of cargo, emphasized that the fastest-growing segments of air cargo frequently depend on air cargo tracking devices, highlighting the necessity for their reliability.

"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," Sullivan said.

The IATA Air Cargo Device Assessment validates compliance with IATA's Recommended Practice 1693, which provides critical safety guidance for electromagnetic compatibility and battery safety.

IATA said in a statement that validation data will be accessible via ONE Source which provides a single access point to stakeholders searching for approved tracking devices.

The airline association noted that THE BOX, a reusable packing solution by LivingPackets Group, is the first product validated by the Air Cargo Device Assessment program.  

Denis Mourrain, LivingPackets Group COO, noted that the IATA validation is crucial for THE BOX because its customers want to know that its 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," he added.