GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 24, 2026

IATA Air Cargo Guidelines

When a freight forwarder prepares an air shipment, the IATA Air Cargo Guidelines quickly prove non-negotiable.

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Last updated: 24 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/

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When a freight forwarder prepares an air shipment, the IATA Air Cargo Guidelines quickly prove non-negotiable. Published by the International Air Transport Association, they standardize packaging, labelling, declaration, handling, and documentation across the entire air cargo chain—binding shippers, forwarders, ground handlers, and airlines alike. They apply to general cargo and dangerous goods and serve as the operational baseline for customs clearance and security screening. They should not be confused with the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), which constitute a separate, dedicated rulebook covering hazardous materials exclusively.

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IATA Air Cargo Guidelines

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Related Terms

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