Challenge Group gets IATA CEIV Lithium Batteries certification

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Following six months of intense preparation, training and strict auditing, Challenge Group is now IATA CEIV Lithium Batteries certified, in addition to its existing IATA CEIV Pharma and IATA CEIV Live accreditations previously awarded to Challenge Airlines and Challenge Handling in Liège.

Around 1.3 million shipments of lithium batteries are transported by air annually, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). "They also estimate that about five percent of air cargo shipments include lithium batteries, in addition to other electronics and mail parcels. And those are just the shipments officially declared as containing these batteries," says an official release from Challenge Group.

Yossi Shoukroun, Chief Executive Officer, Challenge Group says: "At Challenge Group, we are very concerned with detecting mis-declared or undeclared lithium battery shipments, and therefore make certain that our people are trained in what to look out for. We are proud that our efforts have been officially recognised, and that we may now carry the IATA CEIV Lithium Batteries seal of approval as a visible demonstration to customers that their DGR shipments are in the best of hands, including the ones under UN3090 and UN3480. Thank you to the IATA CEIV Lithium Batteries auditors for their commendations and feedback as we continue to ensure the highest level in handling standards.”

Brendan Sullivan, Global Head of Cargo, IATA adds: "“As the numbers of lithium batteries being shipped globally continues to increase, it’s essential these vital items are transported safely and efficiently. IATA’s CEIV Lithium Batteries was established to raise standards, spread best practice, and ensure regulatory compliance across the supply chain. We commend Challenge Group for achieving CEIV Lithium Batteries certification. This gives customers total confidence in Challenge Group’s world-class performance and quality credentials for lithium battery shipments."

Lithium battery shipments have their own separate handling areas, both in the warehouse dangerous goods section as well as in the second-line warehouse dedicated to e-commerce, the release added. “E-commerce receives particular attention,” says David Canavan, Chief Operating Officer, Challenge Group, adding “since around 70 percent of e-commerce being flown across the globe, contains lithium batteries. That is another reason why more and more air cargo stakeholders should be striving for risk awareness and safe handling. An IATA CEIV Lithium Batteries audit is the best way to adopt and ensure company-wide compliance with the required safety standards.”