**Hidden Lithium Batteries Drive 80 Percent of Dangerous Goods Incidents, IATA Warns**
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has issued a stark warning regarding the prevalence of undeclared hazardous goods in air cargo, revealing that approximately 80 percent of dangerous goods incidents reported in the first half of 2025 involved items that were either hidden or not properly declared. This alarming statistic has prompted IATA to advocate for stricter controls throughout the air cargo supply chain.
The warning was delivered during IATA’s Cargo Experts Conference, held on September 23 and 24 in Budapest, where industry professionals gathered to discuss various topics including cargo operations, digitalization, safety, and security. Brendan Sullivan, IATA's Global Head of Cargo, emphasized the critical need for enhanced vigilance in identifying hazardous materials before they reach aircraft.
“Dangerous goods are transported safely by air every day. The risk comes when they enter the system undeclared or incorrectly declared,” Sullivan stated. He highlighted that while existing aviation security screening plays a crucial role in safeguarding air travel, it is primarily designed to detect threats related to terrorism rather than the full spectrum of hazardous materials that can pose safety risks during air transport.
Among the most frequently found undeclared dangerous goods are lithium batteries, e-cigarettes, and aerosols. IATA has repeatedly pointed out that lithium batteries, in particular, represent a significant safety challenge within modern air cargo supply chains. The association has previously called for the modernization of international regulations to adapt to the rapidly evolving landscape of digital supply chains and the emerging risks associated with battery misuse.
IATA’s latest white paper, titled "Safety and Security in the Cargo Supply Chain," outlines a multi-faceted approach to addressing these issues. The organization urges governments to enhance oversight and enforcement of existing regulations while encouraging manufacturers and online marketplaces to ensure that products containing dangerous goods are properly identified, certified when necessary, and accompanied by accurate documentation.
Furthermore, IATA is calling on shippers, freight forwarders, and postal operators to improve their training programs and cargo acceptance checks. By leveraging customer and shipment data more effectively, these stakeholders can better identify higher-risk consignments before they reach airports. Airlines and ground handlers are also encouraged to strengthen their checks prior to cargo loading, and airports are urged to enhance coordination and information sharing among the various entities involved in the cargo chain.
IATA's concerns about undeclared dangerous goods are not new. The organization has consistently highlighted the need for improved practices and regulations to mitigate risks associated with hazardous materials in air transport. The association’s updated 2027 cargo and ground operations manuals reflect these concerns, incorporating revised requirements for the handling of spare batteries, power banks, lithium battery-powered mobility aids, and hybrid batteries containing lithium-ion and sodium-ion cells.
With over 370 member airlines representing approximately 85 percent of global air traffic, IATA is in a unique position to influence industry standards and practices. The association’s call for tighter controls and enhanced training comes at a time when the air cargo industry is experiencing significant growth and transformation, driven by advancements in technology and changing consumer behaviors.
As the air cargo sector continues to evolve, the emphasis on safety and security will remain paramount. IATA's proactive stance on addressing the challenges posed by undeclared dangerous goods is a crucial step toward ensuring the safe transportation of cargo by air. The organization’s recommendations aim to create a more robust framework for identifying and managing hazardous materials, ultimately safeguarding both the industry and the traveling public.