IATA Released Safety Report on E-commerce Shipments
The trade association identified lithium batteries as a primary risk factor in undeclared global air cargo.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Transportation
Live Poll
Do you trust online marketplaces to effectively identify and label hazardous products before they are shipped?
The International Air Transport Association published a white paper detailing significant safety risks tied to the global e-commerce supply chain. The report highlights that undeclared dangerous goods continue to pose a threat to air cargo operations.
Why it matters
Individual consignors and small sellers often lack awareness of aviation transport requirements for dangerous goods. Furthermore, online platforms may provide inaccurate product descriptions for items containing lithium batteries, complicating safety enforcement.
Undeclared items comprised 81 percent of reported air cargo safety incidents in the first half of 2025. Over 80 percent of all dangerous goods occurrences reported to the IATA involved items that were not properly disclosed for transport.
The players
International Air Transport Association
This global trade association represents approximately 330 airlines and sets industry standards for aviation safety and security.
The details
E-commerce logistics networks frequently link small-scale manufacturers and independent sellers directly to consumer doorsteps via postal operators and freight forwarders. These shipments often contain electronic devices or power banks that fail to meet required dangerous-goods safety checks before entering the air supply chain.
Timeline
Between January and June 2025, undeclared goods accounted for 81 percent of safety incidents.
The International Air Transport Association published the white paper on October 3, 2026.
Market Landscape
The report underscores how decentralized global logistics have outpaced traditional compliance frameworks established by the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. As e-commerce continues to scale, this shift forces a confrontation between legacy aviation safety protocols and the high-volume model of individual parcel shipping.
Shoppers ordering lithium-ion powered devices online may face more rigorous labeling and screening requirements for their packages. These safety measures could lead to longer transit times or increased shipping costs as logistics providers enhance their cargo oversight.
The takeaway
Consumers should be aware that proper disclosure of battery-powered devices is essential for flight safety. When shipping items personally, always verify airline dangerous goods policies to prevent package delays or safety hazards.
Further reading
Learn more about evolving aviation security standards on the Transportation section.
Live Poll
Do you trust online marketplaces to effectively identify and label hazardous products before they are shipped?
