CEIV-Fresh standard launched in Hong Kong for perishables quality

SINGAPORE — First it was pharmaceuticals. Next came live animals. This morning the International Air Transport Association (IATA) added yet another time and temperature-sensitive cargo category to its wildly successful Center of Excellence for Independent Validators program: Perishable goods.

The new industry certification — the Center for Excellence for Perishable Logistics, a.k.a. “CEIV-Fresh” — is designed to improve the handling and air transport of perishable products.

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

The specific time and temperature requirements for food and plant products makes the handling and transporting of perishable products challenging. The CEIV-Fresh program meets these exacting requirements primarily based on the IATA Perishable Cargo Regulations (PCR), which combine professional regulatory and operational input from industry and government experts.

CEIV-Fresh launch partners, the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), Cathay Pacific, Cathay Pacific Services Limited (CPSL) and Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl), were the first organizations to pilot the CEIV-Fresh program. This community approach helps align the needs and responsibilities of all stakeholders involved in the handling of perishable goods.

“We took a community approach to developing CEIV-Fresh, recognizing that the successful shipment requires the alignment of many stakeholders,” said Glyn Hughes, IATA Global Head of Cargo. “Shippers can have peace of mind knowing that every entity handling their goods is operating to the same standards. Understanding the value of this to the success of its customers, AAHK pioneered the world’s first CEIV-Fresh certified airport community.”

Fred Lam, CEO of AAHK, described the CEIV-Fresh program as “a big encouragement to, and affirmation of the capability of the Hong Kong airport community in handling perishable products.” HKIA is the world’s busiest cargo airport since 2010. With the new certification, HKIA is well-placed to capture the increasing growth opportunities in the market for fresh and perishable goods,” he said.