Packaging and Labelling of Cargo During Air Transportation
Air cargo transportation is subject to a number of mandatory packaging requirements. Cargo without packaging or with improper packaging is not accepted for carriage by air.
Requirements for Packaging of Air Cargo
The primary requirement is the integrity of the packaging and its compliance with the physical characteristics and nature of the cargo being transported. Packaging must ensure the safety of the cargo during transportation, protect it from mechanical damage, adverse environmental impact, and the risk of unauthorized access.
Cargo must be packed in soft or rigid packaging (containers). Soft packaging must be securely fastened using ropes or specialized adhesive tape.The weight of one cargo piece should generally not exceed 80 kilograms. Transportation of air cargo exceeding the permitted weight limits is carried out subject to prior agreement and a concluded contract with the carrier.
Packaging of cargo submitted for air transportation must be clean and dry. Cargo must not have sharp edges, protrusions, or other elements that may damage or contaminate premises and equipment, cause damage to other cargo, baggage, or mail, or pose a risk of injury to aircraft personnel.
Cargo labelling is a mandatory and essential requirement for air transportation. Labelling must be clear, accurate, and easily legible.
Requirements for Labelling of Air Cargo
Air cargo labelling shall be carried out in accordance with international aviation standards and regulations, including:
IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) for dangerous goods;
ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air;
IATA Cargo Handling Manual (ICHM) for general cargo handling requirements.
Cargo labelling may include mandatory and supplementary information, handling marks, labels, and special symbols.
Warning markings are permitted where handling instructions cannot be indicated otherwise, for example: “Do Not Stack”, “Open Here”, “Fragile”, etc.
