IATA moves digitisation of dangerous goods supply chain forward
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has taken a significant step forward in the digitalisation of the dangerous goods supply chain following the adoption of the e-Dangerous Goods Declaration (e-DGD) standards.
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The e-DGD is an electronic approach to manage the IATA Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD), leveraging industry initiatives to digitalise data and embrace data sharing platform principles. This aligns with and supports industry initiatives to modernize air cargo processes efficiently and share critical data among stakeholders that need it. Implementing the e-DGD requires cooperation between all stakeholders, including shippers, forwarders, carriers, ground handling agents and third party providers.
The benefits of implementing the e-DGD with clearly defined data governance include improved transparency, traceability and data quality. This, in turn, will improve process efficiency and reduce errors and delays.
The e-DGD was developed through the IATA Cargo Services Conference with key support provided by four proof of concept partners—Air France-KLM Cargo, Lufthansa Cargo, Swiss WorldCargo and Cargologic confirming industry requirements.
"The e-DGD demonstrates the air cargo industry’s commitment to modernize processes. The challenge now is implementation so that the benefits can be realized by the supply chain and, more importantly, by our customers," said Glyn Hughes, Global Head of Cargo, IATA.