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

Klaus Schmidt · 2026-09-25

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently issued a wake-up call to the air cargo industry. In a statement from Budapest, the organization urged stronger collaboration across the entire supply chain to tackle the growing risk of undeclared and mis-declared dangerous goods. The message was clear: security screening is a vital layer of protection, but it's not a silver bullet. Regulators have been debating how much weight to put on existing aviation security screening processes. IATA's response? Screening matters, but it's just one piece of a much larger puzzle. To truly manage risk, we need a multi-layered approach that involves everyone from shippers to ground handlers. ### The Limits of Screening Screening technology has come a long way. X-ray machines, explosive trace detection, and canine units can catch a lot. But they're not foolproof, especially when dangerous goods are hidden in complex shipments or mislabeled as something harmless. It's like trying to find a needle in a haystack, except the needle might be disguised as a piece of hay. - Screeners can't see inside every package, especially dense or oversized cargo. - Mis-declared goods often slip through because paperwork looks legitimate. - Volume is huge: major hubs handle millions of tons annually, making 100% inspection impossible. IATA argues that relying solely on screening creates a false sense of security. Instead, the focus should shift to preventing undeclared goods from entering the supply chain in the first place. ### A Multi-Layered Defense So what does a layered approach look like? It starts with shippers and forwarders who know their cargo. Proper training, clear communication, and strict compliance are the first lines of defense. Then come secure packing, accurate documentation, and finally, targeted screening based on risk. As one industry veteran put it, *"Screening is the last line, not the first. If we're catching dangerous goods at the X-ray, we've already failed somewhere upstream."* That quote sums up the philosophy IATA is pushing. Everyone in the chain—from the person packing the box to the pilot flying the plane—has a role to play. ### What This Means for You If you're involved in air cargo, whether as a shipper, freight forwarder, or carrier, this isn't just policy talk. It affects your operations, your liability, and your reputation. Undeclared dangerous goods can lead to fines, delays, and even catastrophic accidents. The cost of a single incident can run into millions of dollars, not to mention the human toll. - **Train your team regularly.** Regulations change, and so do smuggling tactics. - **Use technology wisely.** Data analytics can flag suspicious shipments before they reach the airport. - **Collaborate with partners.** Share information and best practices up and down the chain. At the end of the day, safety is a shared responsibility. IATA's call to action is a reminder that we can't just install more scanners and call it a day. We need a culture of vigilance and cooperation. That's the only way to stay ahead of those who would cut corners or deliberately hide dangerous goods. So next time you hear someone say "just screen everything," remember: it's not that simple. Real security comes from layers—and every layer counts.