The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has taken a significant step forward in the digitalization of the dangerous goods supply chain following the adoption of the e-Dangerous Goods Declaration (e-DGD) standards.
The e-DGD is an electronic approach to manage the IATA Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD), leveraging industry initiatives to digitalize data and embrace data sharing platform principles. This aligns with and supports industry initiatives to modernize air cargo processes efficiently and share critical data among stakeholders that need it. Implementing the e-DGD requires cooperation between all stakeholders, including shippers, forwarders, carriers, ground handling agents and third party providers.
The benefits of implementing the e-DGD with clearly defined data governance include improved transparency, traceability and data quality. This, in turn, will improve process efficiency and reduce errors and delays.
The e-DGD was developed through the IATA Cargo Services Conference with key support provided by four proof of concept partners—Air France-KLM Cargo, Lufthansa Cargo, Swiss WorldCargo and Cargologic confirming industry requirements.
“The e-DGD demonstrates the air cargo industry’s commitment to modernize processes. The challenge now is implementation so that the benefits can be realized by the supply chain and, more importantly, by our customers,” said Glyn Hughes, Global Head of Cargo, IATA.
“The e-DGD is an important step in the digitization of airfreight documents. By using data sharing principles, the e-DGD brings a new opportunity to introduce further automation and artificial intelligence exploration in air transport processes. Our ultimate goal is to increase quality, transparency, efficiency and customer satisfaction. Air France-KLM Cargo is proud to be among the inspirers and architects of this achievement at CDG airport,” Elisabeth Herelier, Air France Cargo EVP
Dr. Jan-Wilhelm Breithaupt, Vice President Global Handling, Lufthansa Cargo´s said, “e-DGD is one important component of Lufthansa Cargo´s digitization strategy to provide a holistic digital environment for our customers. Only when all stakeholders of the supply chain find benefits in the solution, will digitization be successful on such a large scale. This was taken into account for the e-DGD standard, and we´re happy to perform the Pilot project with industry partners in our hub in Frankfurt.”
Ashwin Bhat, Head of Cargo at Swiss WorldCargo said, “e-DGD is a powerful step forward for the air cargo industry, and the digitization in this offering can translate to direct benefits for Swiss WorldCargo customers. We anticipate that it will ensure a standardized, successful way of working, thus continuing the efficient collaboration between all our partners and stakeholders within the supply chain.
