# Packaging Standards for Perishable Goods

*Last updated: 2026-06-17*

> Freight forwarders and shippers handling perishable goods rely on sector-specific packaging standards that bring together temperature control, material requirements, hygiene, and traceability within a single regulatory framework.

Freight forwarders and shippers handling perishable goods rely on sector-specific packaging standards that bring together temperature control, material requirements, hygiene, and traceability within a single regulatory framework. The standards specify insulation and sealing performance, permitted cooling or freezing media, and documentation requirements for temperature logs throughout the cold chain. For pharmaceutical products, GDP (Good Distribution Practice) guidelines typically apply; for food, national food safety legislation and, where applicable, HACCP principles govern requirements. Air freight is addressed specifically by the IATA Perishable Cargo Regulations. Inadequate packaging for perishables is not merely a quality issue: it can result in goods being seized, destroyed, or returned at border controls.

**Source:** [https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/live-animals-perishables/perishables/](https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/live-animals-perishables/perishables/)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Packaging Standards for Perishable Goods |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 106 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-17 |
| Source | https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/live-animals-perishables/perishables/ |

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