# ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization)

*Last updated: 2026-06-24*

> When a freight forwarder tenders an air cargo shipment containing dangerous goods, every label, document, and packaging specification must ultimately trace back to ICAO standards.

When a freight forwarder tenders an air cargo shipment containing dangerous goods, every label, document, and packaging specification must ultimately trace back to ICAO standards. The ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) is a United Nations specialized agency headquartered in Montreal, responsible for developing Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) that govern civil aviation safety, security, efficiency, and environmental protection. Member states transpose SARPs into national legislation, creating a harmonized international regulatory framework that applies regardless of where an aircraft lands. For air cargo operators and customs brokers, Annex 18 (Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air) and Annex 19 (Safety Management) are the most operationally significant, covering packaging, classification, and documentation requirements. ICAO should not be confused with IATA: ICAO sets intergovernmental standards, while IATA translates them into practical industry tools such as the Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR).

**Source:** [https://www.icao.int](https://www.icao.int)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 137 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-24 |
| Source | https://www.icao.int |

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