Why Cargo Screening Alone Won't Fix the Dangerous Goods Problem

Klaus Schmidt · 2026-09-25

### The Problem With Relying on Screening Alone When you ship goods by air, there's a lot riding on every package. And when dangerous goods slip through undeclared, the consequences can be catastrophic. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently made a strong point: security screening is crucial, but it can't be the only line of defense. IATA's message, delivered from Budapest, is clear. Regulators are debating how much weight to put on existing aviation security screening processes. But IATA warns that screening, while important, isn't a primary solution. It's just one layer in a much bigger system. So what's the real answer? A multi-layered, collaborative approach across the entire air cargo supply chain. That means shippers, freight forwarders, carriers, and regulators all working together. No single checkpoint can catch everything. ### Why Undeclared Dangerous Goods Are So Tricky Dangerous goods aren't always obvious. They can be hidden in everyday items—lithium batteries in electronics, aerosols in personal care products, or chemicals in industrial shipments. If they're not declared properly, screeners might not know what they're looking for. And screening technology, as advanced as it is, has limits. It can flag anomalies, but it can't always identify the exact nature of a threat. Plus, the volume of air cargo is massive. Screening every single package with the same level of scrutiny isn't practical. That's why IATA is pushing for a layered approach. Think of it like a series of filters, each catching what the previous one missed. Training, documentation, verification, and yes, screening—all play a role. > "Security screening is an important layer of protection, but not a primary solution." — IATA That quote sums it up perfectly. Screening is a tool, not a silver bullet. ### What a Multi-Layered Approach Looks Like So what does a truly effective system look like? Here are the key layers that IATA and other experts recommend: - **Accurate documentation:** Shippers must declare dangerous goods correctly. This starts with proper training and clear regulations. - **Supply chain collaboration:** Everyone from the manufacturer to the pilot needs to communicate. If one link breaks, the whole chain weakens. - **Risk assessment:** Not all cargo is equal. A risk-based approach helps focus resources where they're needed most. - **Advanced screening:** Technology is a tool, but it works best when combined with human expertise and intelligence. - **Regulatory oversight:** Governments need to set clear rules and enforce them consistently across borders. When these layers work together, the system becomes much harder to penetrate. But if we rely too heavily on any single layer—especially screening—we leave gaps. ### The Bottom Line for Air Cargo Professionals If you work in logistics, freight, or aviation, this matters to you. Undeclared dangerous goods aren't just a regulatory headache; they're a safety risk that can ground flights and cost millions. The push for a collaborative, multi-layered approach isn't just bureaucratic talk—it's a practical necessity. So next time you hear someone say "just screen everything," remember: it's not that simple. Real safety comes from a chain of responsibility, not a single checkpoint. And that chain starts with you.