Who Regulates Air Cargo Transport

Air cargo transport operates within a complex, multi-layered regulatory framework. From international organisations to national authorities and industry bodies, numerous players define the rules governing the safety, security, and operations of air freight. This guide identifies the key regulators and explains their respective roles. The experts at Private Jets Connect break down the key points below.

International Organisations

ICAO: The Global Framework

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a United Nations specialised agency based in Montreal, sits atop the regulatory pyramid. Established in 1944 by the Chicago Convention, ICAO develops the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) forming the foundation of international aviation law.

For air freight, ICAO intervenes in several domains:

• Annex 18: transport of dangerous goods by air
• Annex 17: civil aviation security, including cargo security
• Annex 9: facilitation of air transport (customs, immigration)
• Montreal Convention: carrier liability for freight
• CORSIA: aviation carbon offsetting programme

ICAO SARPs are not directly binding, but all 193 member states commit to transposing them into national legislation. This mechanism ensures global harmonisation of air transport rules.

IATA: Operational Standards

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), headquartered in Montreal and Geneva, brings together over 300 airlines representing 83% of global air traffic. While IATA is not a regulator in the strict sense, its standards are widely adopted as de facto industry norms.

For air freight, IATA plays a central role:

Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR): the definitive reference for transporting dangerous goods by air. Published annually, the DGR classifies hazardous materials, defines packaging, labelling, documentation, and permitted quantities. All personnel involved in air freight must undergo DGR training.

Cargo Account Settlement System (CASS): financial settlement system simplifying payments between airlines and freight agents.

e-Freight programme: initiative to dematerialise air freight documents, aiming to replace the 30+ paper documents accompanying each shipment with electronic exchanges.

CEIV certifications: certification programmes for specialised product transport:

• CEIV Pharma: pharmaceutical products
• CEIV Fresh: perishable goods
• CEIV Lithium Batteries: lithium batteries
• CEIV Live Animals: live animals

European Regulators

EASA: Safety and Certification

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), based in Cologne, is the competent European authority for aviation safety. EASA defines rules for aircraft certification, air operations, and airworthiness.

For air freight, EASA covers:

• Type certification of cargo aircraft and supplemental type certificates for P2F conversions
• Air operations regulations (Part-CAT) applicable to cargo operations
• Crew training requirements for cargo flight operations
• Rules for transporting dangerous goods within European airspace

The European Commission

The European Commission intervenes through single aviation market regulation and air service agreements. It also regulates environmental aspects (EU ETS, ReFuelEU Aviation) and competition in the air freight sector.

The ACC3 regulation requires that all freight entering the EU by air be secured by a regulated agent certified by the competent authority of an EU member state.

National Authorities

In France: The DGAC

The Direction Generale de l’Aviation Civile (DGAC) is the French civil aviation authority. It issues air transport certificates (CTA/AOC), supervises operational safety, and ensures compliance with European and international regulations.

The DSAC (Direction de la Securite de l’Aviation Civile), the DGAC’s operational arm, conducts on-site audits and inspections. It certifies regulated agents and known consignors, the essential links in the cargo security chain.

In the United States: The FAA and TSA

The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) is the American counterpart of EASA for aviation safety. It issues Part 121 and Part 135 certificates to cargo airlines and oversees aircraft airworthiness.

The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) is responsible for air cargo security in the United States. The CCSP (Certified Cargo Screening Program) mandates screening of 100% of cargo transported on passenger flights.

In the United Kingdom: The CAA

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulates air cargo transport in the United Kingdom since Brexit. It has developed its own cargo security standards while maintaining strong convergence with European norms.

The Cargo Security Chain

The Secure Supply Chain Concept

Modern air freight regulation is based on the secure supply chain concept. Every link in the chain must be identified, certified, and audited to guarantee the integrity of goods from shipper to loading.

Dangerous Goods

The transport of dangerous goods by air is one of the most strictly regulated areas. The nine UN dangerous goods classes (explosives, gases, flammable liquids, radioactive materials, etc.) are subject to specific rules on packaging, labelling, documentation, and maximum quantities.

DGR training is mandatory for all personnel participating in air freight handling, with regular refresher courses every 24 months.

Regulatory Evolution

The air freight regulatory framework evolves constantly to adapt to new realities: cargo drone integration, document dematerialisation, new cybersecurity requirements, and adaptation to climate challenges.

To navigate this complexity, engaging a specialised cargo broker like Private Jets Connect ensures regulatory compliance for every charter operation.