Why Screening Alone Won't Fix Air Cargo's Dangerous Goods Problem

Klaus Schmidt · 2026-09-25

### The Hidden Risk in Every Cargo Hold Every day, millions of packages move through the air. Most are harmless. But some contain dangerous goods that were never declared. That's a problem the entire air cargo industry is grappling with right now. And according to the International Air Transport Association, screening alone won't solve it. IATA recently called for a stronger, more collaborative approach across the supply chain. The message came during ongoing discussions among regulators about how much security screening can really do. Spoiler: it's important, but it's not the whole answer. ### Why Screening Can't Do It All Screening is like a metal detector at a concert. It catches some things, but it won't stop someone determined to sneak something through. The same goes for cargo. Undeclared dangerous goods—lithium batteries, flammable liquids, toxic substances—can slip past even the best screening tech. IATA points out that screening is just one layer. A multi-layered approach is needed. That means better training, clearer communication between shippers and carriers, and stronger regulations that actually get enforced. > "Security screening is an important layer of protection, but not a primary solution," IATA stresses. That's a quote worth remembering. ### What a Multi-Layered Approach Looks Like So what does a real solution look like? It's not one big fix. It's a bunch of small ones working together. Here are the key pieces: - **Accurate documentation** from shippers. If you don't know what's in the box, how can anyone else? - **Better training** for everyone in the chain, from packers to pilots. - **Stronger penalties** for mis-declaration, so there's real accountability. - **Collaboration** between airlines, regulators, and freight forwarders. No more silos. - **Smarter technology** that flags anomalies, not just known threats. The goal isn't to make shipping impossible. It's to make it safer without grinding everything to a halt. ### The Real-World Stakes This isn't just bureaucratic box-ticking. Undeclared dangerous goods can cause fires, explosions, and worse. In 2023 alone, there were multiple incidents involving lithium batteries in cargo. Each one could have been catastrophic. And it's not just about safety. It's about trust. When shippers cut corners, everyone pays—higher insurance, stricter rules, slower transit times. That hurts businesses and consumers alike. ### What This Means for You If you're in logistics, shipping, or even just someone who orders stuff online, this matters. The push for a multi-layered approach means changes are coming. More paperwork? Maybe. But also more safety and reliability. IATA's call is a wake-up call. Screening is a tool, not a silver bullet. The real fix requires everyone—from the person packing the box to the regulator writing the rules—to step up. So next time you see a cargo plane overhead, remember: what's inside is everyone's business. And keeping it safe takes more than a scanner.