CCA & IATA ink MoU for safe transportation of perishables and pharmaceuticals

With an aim to improve the sustainable transport of perishables and pharmaceuticals, The Cool Chain Association (CCA) and IATA have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). As partners, the two groups will develop joint programmes including temporary task forces and round tables, for specific initiatives such as the transport of vaccines and life science products. They will also share feedback, experiences, knowledge, and best practice.
As a first step, CCA took part in IATA’s recent webinar on the industry’s readiness for the transportation of vaccines and life science products.
Nicola Caristo, CCA secretary general and airline partner manager, SkyCell, said, “Both CCA and IATA have a common interest in ensuring the secure handling and transport of perishables and pharmaceuticals by means of robust standards.
“Through this agreement we are establishing a formal basis of collaboration to better assist the global industry to improve, as well as increasing sustainability and reducing waste.
“We will be working together to promote the implementation of methodologies and quality criteria such as the Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Fresh and Pharma programmes.”
Meanwhile, CCA members are planning a new series of data sharing tests, under a project called the LAX Initiative, to monitor perishable shipments on global trade lanes in a bid to improve supply chain management and reduce food loss.