Why Screening Alone Won't Stop Air Cargo's Hidden Threat

Klaus Schmidt · 2026-09-25

### The Dangerous Goods Problem Nobody Talks About Imagine a package slipping through the cracks. It's not labeled as hazardous, but it contains something that could bring down a plane. That's the reality of undeclared and mis-declared dangerous goods in air cargo. And according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), relying on security screening alone to catch these items is a recipe for disaster. IATA recently called for a stronger, more collaborative approach across the entire air cargo supply chain. The message? Screening is just one layer of defense—not the silver bullet. ### Why Screening Isn't Enough Security screening is designed to detect threats like explosives or weapons. But dangerous goods—think lithium batteries, flammable liquids, or toxic chemicals—often don't trigger those same alarms. They're not always visible on an X-ray, and they don't always look suspicious. "Security screening is an important layer of protection, but not a primary solution," IATA stresses. That's a wake-up call for everyone from shippers to freight forwarders to airlines. So what's the answer? A multi-layered approach that starts long before a package reaches the screening machine. ### The Multi-Layered Defense Here's what a robust strategy looks like: - **Accurate documentation**: Shippers must declare exactly what's in every package. No shortcuts, no vague descriptions. - **Training and awareness**: Everyone in the chain—from warehouse staff to pilots—needs to know how to spot red flags. - **Technology and data sharing**: Better tools and real-time information can help identify high-risk shipments before they ever board a plane. - **Regulatory collaboration**: Governments and industry must work together to close gaps in oversight. It's not about replacing screening. It's about making sure screening isn't the only thing standing between a hidden hazard and your next flight. ### The Cost of Getting It Wrong Undeclared dangerous goods aren't just a regulatory headache. They're a safety risk that can lead to catastrophic incidents. In 2023 alone, there were over 1,200 reported incidents involving dangerous goods in air transport, according to IATA. Some caused fires, others forced emergency landings. The financial fallout can be staggering. A single incident can cost millions in damages, fines, and lost reputation. For smaller operators, it could mean the end of the business. ### What This Means for You If you're involved in air cargo—whether you're a shipper, a freight forwarder, or an airline—this isn't someone else's problem. It's yours. Start by asking hard questions: Are your declarations accurate? Is your team trained to spot inconsistencies? Do you have a plan for when something goes wrong? IATA's call to action is a reminder that safety is a shared responsibility. Screening alone won't cut it. But a united, layered approach just might. > "The weakest link in the chain isn't the technology—it's the human factor. And that's where collaboration becomes critical." So next time you ship a package, remember: the real defense against dangerous goods isn't just a machine. It's a culture of vigilance that starts with you.