SINGAPORE: March 12, 2019. IATA has added perishables to its Center for Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV Fresh) certification process.

Launch partners are the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), Cathay Pacific, Cathay Pacific Services Limited (CPSL) and Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (HACTL), and CPSL and HACTL have successfully completed certification.

The IATA Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) programmes are standardized global certification programs that support excellence in the transport and handling of special cargo products across the world. CEIV Fresh follows CEIV Pharma and CEIV Live Animals certification.

“Perishable goods are a growing market for air cargo. Ensuring that these delicate and short shelf-life products reach the customer unspoiled with minimal waste and loss is essential,” said IATA director general Alexandre de Juniac. “Shippers will have assurance that CEIV Fresh certified companies are operating to the highest quality and standards in the transport of perishable products.”

The CEIV Fresh programme meets specific time and temperature requirements for food and plant products primarily based on the IATA Perishable Cargo Regulations (PCR).

“We took a community approach to developing CEIV Fresh recognizing that the successful shipment requires the alignment of many stakeholders. Shippers can have peace of mind knowing that every entity handling their goods is operating to the same standards,” said Glyn Hughes, IATA global head of Cargo.

“We are delighted to be the first airport community worldwide recognised by IATA under the CEIV Fresh programme, which is a big encouragement to and affirmation of the capability of the Hong Kong airport community in handling perishable products,” added Fred Lam, CEO Airport Authority Hong Kong.