PERISHABLE CARGO REGULATIONS

 

PERISHABLE CARGO REGULATIONS

INTRODUCTION

Perishables are time sensitive and/or Temperature sensitive commodities. They need a fast and reliable delivery network to reach consumers. Shippers around the world benefits from using air transport for the global movement of their products.

The Perishable Cargo Regulations (PCR) is published annually under the authority of the IATA Cargo Services Conference, and is updated by the Live Animal and Perishables Board in conjunction with input from the Time and Temperature Working Group (TTWG)

IMP CODES

CHAPTER 1- APPLICATION OF THESE REGULATIONS:- 

Þ    CARGO ACCEPTABLE:

 Carrier started to transport, subject to the availability of suitable equipment and space, all shipments, unless otherwise excluded by carrier's regulations and provided.

1. The transportation, or the exportation or importation thereof is not prohibited by the laws or regulations of any country to be flown form to or over 

2. They are packed in a manner suitable for carriage by aircraft

3. They are along with requested shipping documents

4. They are not likely to dangerous for aircraft, persons or property or cause difficulty to passengers

Þ    PACKING AND MARKING OF CARGO:

Shipper is responsible for ensuring that the Cargo is packed in an appropriate way for carriage so as to ensure that it can be carried safely with ordinary care in handling and so as not to injure or damage to any person, goods or property. Each package shall be legibly and durably marked with the name and full address of the shipper and consignee.

Þ    CARGO ACCEPTABLE ONLY UNDER PRESCRIBED CONDITIONS:

Dangerous goods, live animals, perishables, fragile goods, human remains, and other special cargo are acceptable only under the conditions set forth in carrier's regulation applicable to the carriage such cargo.

Þ    RESPONSIBILITY FOR NON-OBSERVANCE OF CONSITIONS RELATING TO SPECIAL CARGO:

Responsibility for non-observance of the conditions relating to the carriage of cargo rest upon the Shipper who can claim to carrier for any loss, damage, delay, liability or penalties.

Þ    SHEDULES, ROUTINGS AND CACELLATIONS:

Time shown in carrier's timetable or elsewhere are approximate and not guaranteed. No time is fixed for completion of delivery of cargo. Carriers start to carry the cargo with reasonable dispatch but assumes no promise to carry the cargo by any specified aircraft or over any particular routes or make connection at any points according to schedule.

Þ    CARRIER'S LAIBILITY:

1. As per applicable convention carrier is not liable to the shipper, consignee or any other person for any damage, delay or loss of whatsoever nature arising out of or in connection with carriage.

Unless such damage, delay or loss is proved to have been caused by the

Carelessness of Carrier and there has been no contributory on the part of the shipper, consignee or other claimant.

 

2. The shipper, owner and consignee whose property causes damage or destruction of another shipment or property of Carrier shall reimburse carrier for all losses and expenses incurred. Cargo which because of quality or defective packing is endanger aircraft, person or property may be destroyed by carrier at any time without notice and liability.

Þ    SHIPPER RESPONSIBILITIES:

The shipper or his authorized agent must responsible for

1. Declaring all details relevant to the shipment based on requirement at origin, transit, and destination or by the Airlines, other competent authority.

2. Tendering for shipments only such cargoes that have been subject to inspection and packed in such a fashion as to never damage whole packaging, crew safety nor handling personnel under normal transport or handling conditions

Marking, labeling and documentation

4. Providing a primary contact whom is responsible for the shipment during the entire journey and he can be reached by all parties at any given time.

Þ    CARRIER RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Any such regulation, restriction or prohibition which may subject the goods to delay, seized or interference.

2. Communicating with the appropriate parities of discrepancies which impact the load's integrity, the safety of the crew, the aircraft structure or the health of the involved employee in accordance with in house company procedures or policy.

3. Whether surety that the goods will arrive in due time and fashion.

4. Whether sufficient space has been guaranteed on all airlines or flight sectors involved.

5. Whether special storage requirements are available, reserved and prepared to accommodate such cargoes.

6. Whether any special handling is required.

7. Whether any segregation from other cargoes is required.

8. Whether the shipper has provided all relevant information as it relates to the shipments content.

9. Whether all cargo security measures have been adhered to (origin/transit/destination)

10. Whether alternative procedures are in place for handling such cargoes in the event of delay, rerouting or cancellation of flight.

Þ    SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

Perishables packed in or with dry ice must be given special treatment as dry ice is classified as dangerous goods.

2. Perishable which may exude liquids are classified as "WET CARGO".

3. Perishable shipments are not acceptable on charges collect basis unless special arrangements have been made with the airline.

4. Perishable shipments will not be accepted if the content do not appear to be in good condition or if the packaging appears to be inadequate.

Þ    . PERISHABLE CARGO REGULATIONS:

1. The acceptance, packing and handling of perishables for transportation by air shall be in accordance with the principle and provisions of the IATA Perishable Cargo Regulations manual.

2. At the Cargo Services Conference held in Istanbul in 2010, the Time and Temperature Sensitive Label was officially included in CSC Resolution 607, applicable to all IATA members. 

CHAPTER 2 – GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS

It is the shipper responsibility to comply with all governmental regulations applicable to the movement of his goods. These regulations include those of the countries to, from and through which the goods will be carried. However before accepting perishable shipments the airlines should check as far as possible that the regulations have in fact been complied with.

Most country restricts or prohibits the import of certain perishable Commodities, including foodstuffs.

A list of restrictions and prohibition can be found in TACT rules under "information by Countries" these applying to the import of plants and plant materials, foodstuff, animal products, vaccine, and numerous other perishable goods.

GOVERNMENT REGULATORY AGENCIES AND FOOD LAWS:    

The following is a non-exhaustive list of regulatory agencies, which can provide useful information and technical support to understand laws and imports requirements in different countries. Please note that the following information should only be used as guideline.

Saudi Arabia:

• Plants and plant material shipments must be accompanied by a health certificate proving that shipment are free from pests and agriculture diseases.
• Vegetables, fresh fruits and cooked food products from cholera infected areas are prohibited, unless after sterilizing, clearance is given by the Quarantine authorities.
• Pharmaceutical and chemical products must be registered in Saudi Arabia with the Ministry of Health and the certificates from the Health authorities in related countries are required.
• As applicable packing must show in Arabic the indication "AGRICULTURE INSCENTICIDES" the trade name, manufacturer, duration of activity and net weight. Noncompliance herewith, results in Customs refusal of entry.
• Fruits and vegetables require Phytosanitary certificates from the competent authority in the country of origin.