As global trade accelerates, air cargo plays a pivotal role in supply chains. Ensuring compliance and professionalism among air freight forwarders has become a priority for the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which is now strengthening certification requirements to address this need.
A key update mandates that all applicants for IATA cargo agency accreditation—whether headquarters or branch offices—must submit valid business registration licenses as part of the certification or renewal process. This move aims to standardize the air freight forwarding industry by verifying the legal status and operational legitimacy of agencies, thereby mitigating risks and enhancing service reliability for clients.
The requirement applies universally across all IATA-accredited cargo agents, regardless of their operational scale. Submitted registration documents must be provided in English to facilitate IATA’s review and validation procedures.
The new regulation is expected to reshape the air cargo sector significantly. By raising the barrier to entry, it encourages existing agencies to prioritize compliance and operational transparency. For forwarders committed to high-quality service, the policy serves as a competitive differentiator, helping build trust with customers in an increasingly regulated marketplace.