AIR FREIGHT: ARE YOU READY FOR THE NEW RULES IN 2025?

On January 1st, 2025, new regulations affecting air freight of hermetic drums over 5 liters are due to come into force. This change, imposed by the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC), directly concerns exporters. To avoid delays or blockages, it is essential to be well prepared. Here’s what you need to know.

ENHANCED SAFETY

The new regulations are designed to improve airfreight security. Currently, hermetically sealed drums over 5 liters, often used to transport food, chemical or pharmaceutical products, can be inspected by X-rays or explosive detection dogs (EDD). However, from January 1st, 2025, only translucent drums will continue to be eligible for X-rays inspection. Opaque drums, or those exceeding 25 liters, will have to come from a “known consignor”.

“Known consignor” status guarantees that the company complies with safety standards, thus limiting the risk of non-conforming goods being introduced into the shipment. Exporters who fail to meet these conditions risk having their shipments blocked.

HOW TO BECOME A “KNOW CONSIGNOR”?

For shipments of drums over 25 liters, “known consignor” status will be mandatory from January 1, 2025. This status is also recommended for 5 to 25-liter drums, to avoid any future problems.

To obtain this approval, the company must submit a file to the aviation authorities (DGAC). This includes the implementation of strict safety measures, staff training and regular audits to ensure compliance with standards. Once approval has been obtained, which is valid for 5 years, the company benefits from simplified airport controls and accelerated shipment processing.

THE HOME STRETCH

The deadline is fast approaching: companies need to start taking steps now to obtain “known consignor” approval before December 31st, 2024.
Without this preparation, delays or blockages could disrupt the logistics chain and seriously affect export activities.