Aviation Security Requirements
Dangerous goods air transport security requirements covering shipper authorization, cargo screening, storage security, personnel training, and incident reporting per IATA DGR Section 1.7.
Aviation security requirements are established under ICAO Annex 17 (Security) and ICAO Annex 18 (Dangerous Goods). IATA DGR details these requirements at the operational level. National civil aviation authorities may impose additional requirements.
Shipper Authorization
Shippers of dangerous goods must meet aviation security requirements before dispatching DG consignments.
- Shipper must be a known shipper or an account consignor
- New shippers must complete identity verification process
- Security assessment of shipper premises is required
- DG-trained personnel must prepare shipments
Cargo Screening & Inspection
All dangerous goods shipments are subject to aviation screening requirements.
- X-ray screening or physical inspection is mandatory
- Some dangerous goods may not be detectable by X-ray — physical inspection required
- Personnel training for detection of undeclared DG (hidden dangerous goods)
- Screening results must be recorded and documented
Storage & Handling Security
Security measures during storage and handling of dangerous goods cargo.
- Access control for dangerous goods storage areas
- CCTV monitoring (where feasible)
- Rejection of packages showing evidence of tampering
- Use of locked/sealed areas
- Personnel identity verification
Personnel Training
All personnel involved with DG must complete aviation security training.
- Personnel training requirements per IATA DGR Categories 1-12
- Shipper personnel: Category 1 (DGD preparation training)
- Forwarder personnel: Category 3 (freight forwarder DG training)
- Airline acceptance personnel: Category 6 (acceptance/inspection training)
- Pilots and cabin crew: Category 9-10 (awareness training)
- Training recurrency: every 24 months (some operators require 12 months)
- Training records must be retained for at least 36 months
Incident Reporting
Reporting requirements for dangerous goods security incidents.
- Undeclared/misdeclared DG: mandatory notification to the competent authority
- DG accident/incident: report to airline and civil aviation authority
- Lithium battery incidents: special reporting requirements
- Incident reports must be archived (minimum 3 years)
DGR 1.5 — Dangerous Goods Training Categories
Who needs which training?
| Cat. | Scope | Who? |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | DG shipper personnel | Staff who prepare DGD, perform packing |
| 2 | DG shipper personnel (recurrent) | Existing Cat. 1 trained, recurrent training |
| 3 | Freight forwarder DG personnel | Forwarding agent DG acceptance/preparation staff |
| 4 | Freight forwarder DG personnel (recurrent) | Existing Cat. 3, recurrent training |
| 5 | Freight forwarder other personnel | Agent staff not directly handling DG |
| 6 | Operator DG acceptance personnel | Airline cargo acceptance and inspection staff |
| 7 | Operator ground handling personnel | Cargo handling, storage, loading staff |
| 8 | Passenger check-in personnel | Staff accepting passengers and baggage |
| 9 | Flight crew (passenger) | Passenger aircraft cabin crew |
| 10 | Flight crew (cargo) | Cargo aircraft flight crew |
| 11 | Security personnel | Cargo screening/security staff |
| 12 | Load planning/load control | Load control, weight & balance planning |
Training Recurrency Period
- - Standard recurrency: must be completed within 24 months
- - Some operators apply a 12-month recurrency period (check operator variations)
- - Training records must be retained for at least 36 months (3 years)
- - New personnel must complete training BEFORE commencing duties