During transportation of live animals by air, all persons who ship, accept or load animals should be familiar with the specific handling requirements for the individual species to ensure that animals always travel safely, healthy and in humane conditions. To ensure this welfare of live animals at all stages of transportation, IATA published the IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) which set out the minimum standards required for animal carriage. This publication and the application of the rules contained herein regulate the acceptance of live animal shipments. It is therefore necessary to become thoroughly familiar with this publication.
IATA Live Animals Regulations: The IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) is approved by the IATA Live Animals & Perishables Board (LAPB) in consultation with the Office International des Epizooties (OIE), the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and government authorities that implement the LAR for animal transportation. In its Resolution for Transport of Live Specimens (Conf. 10.21), the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) recommends that all parties dealing with the preparation and transport of live animal specimens follow the instructions provided by IATA's Live Animals Regulations (LAR) and incorporate them in their national legislations Comments form other interested parties and international organizations have also been taken into consideration. The IATA Live Animals Regulations are issued annually in English, French and Spanish. A Chinese version is also available.
The Live Animals Regulations are divided into 12 chapters.
1. Application of regulations: This section provides general information about the regulations which includes a list of the countries which have formally adopted the provisions of the IATA Live Animal Regulations as part of their legislation or through the issuance of a permit authorizing air carriers to carry live animals by air. It also includes responsibilities of Shipper as well as the Carrier.
2. Government regulations: This section lists complete information on government requirements, including items such as import permits, veterinary health certificates, veterinary examinations, quarantine, transshipment requirements or prohibition restrictions, and also requirements on the food provided for the animal.
3. Carrier regulations: In addition to the governmental regulations, some airlines have their own specific requirements for the carriage of live animals. They are listed in this section by carrier.
4. Reservations and advance arrangements: This chapter gives advice and instructions to the carriers with particular reference to reservations, schedules and routings, interline advance arrangements, delivery to the consignee and persons accompanying consignments
5. Animal behavior: When carrying live animals, there are a few basic principles with which the shipper and the carrier must comply, as these affect the welfare and comfort of the animal. This, in turn, has an influence on the animal’s behavior during air transportation and is therefore of the utmost importance to all concerned. A few items listed in this section are eliminative behavior, sexual behavior and shelter seeking behavior.
6. Listing, description and sizes of species: This section contains classification of animals, i.e. birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish; an alphabetical list of animals’ common and scientific names, container requirements and CITES protected species; and table that lists the common description and size of adult animals
7. Documentation: This section provides an overview on all documents related with animal transportation such as Shipper’s Certification for Live Animals together with the Air Waybill(AWB), Cites documents, Special Load Notification to Captain (NOTOC) and Documents such as import and/or export permits
8. Container requirements: Animals must be carried in specially designed animal containers. When building such containers, ventilation, safety, food, water and other requirements must have been taken into consideration. Information on stocking densities as well as on container requirements is also included.
9. Marking and labeling: This section details the marking and labeling requirements involved in the carriage of live animals.
10. Handling procedures: This section provides an “IATA Live Animals Acceptance Check List” which enables carriers to verify whether the regulations have been complied with and ensures that animals do not get blocked at transfer points and that their welfare is taken care off. It also gives general and particular loading requirements, handling as well as feeding and watering requirements, health and hygiene procedures, and concludes with some general recommendations from the Office International des Epizooties (OIE).
11. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora: This section gives general information about the Convention. It also provides the user with addresses of where he can turn to in case of enquiries about CITES.
12. Office international des epizooties: Information about this organization and its objectives can be found in this section. This section also includes a listing of directors of veterinary services per country list.
Appendices: Following appendices are found at the end of the LAR Manual:
Appendix A lists all IATA members, associate members and other airlines
Appendix B provides frequently asked questions and answers per chapter of the LAR
Appendix C provides optimum temperature ranges for the carriage of live animals
Appendix D lists all national members of the world veterinary association
Appendix E calculates animal heat and moisture load during transportation
Acceptance and Carriage of Live Animals: Since these regulations are updated annually, it is essential that only the latest, current edition of the Live Animals Regulations (LAR) is available in the warehouse and in the office of all parties involved in this transport chain. Carriers will accept all species of live animals which can be safely transported on its equipment. Acceptance and transportation of live animals is subject to special conditions and government laws and regulations. TACT Rules, Acceptance of goods, states the conditions for the acceptance of live animals for carriage by air. For acceptance of standard ready-for-carriage, procedures as per TACT Rules, Section 2.3.2, should be followed. Special attention must be given to the restrictions in acceptance of live animals as published in TACT Rules, Section 2.3.3.
Documentation:
The Shipper’s Certification for Live Animals: The shipper or his authorized agent must complete a Shipper’s Certification for Live Animals for each shipment. For the purpose of the LAR, an authorized agent is a person expressly authorized in writing by the shipper to execute the Shipper’s Certification for Live Animals, except that this must not include IATA Cargo Agents, consolidators, forwarders and surface carriers. When animals are carried as baggage, the requirement for the Shipper’s Certification for Live Animals is optional and at the carrier’s discretion. Like the Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods, this document must be completed in English and two original copies must be handed over the airline. One signed copy will be kept by the carrier that accepts the shipment from the shipper; the other copy will be sent with the shipment to its final destination. The document must have the same wording as the documents reproduced on the next two pages.
Air Waybill (AWB): The air waybill must be issued in accordance with IATA Resolution 600a of the Cargo Services Conference Resolutions Manual along with live animals regulations Please note that live animals must not be entered on the same air waybill as other commodities. In the “Nature and Quantity of Goods” box in the air waybill, the class of the animal must be written in English and, where possible, must correspond to those classes specified in Chapter 6 of the LAR. The quantity of animals in the consignment must also be stated.
Special Load Notification to Captain: The captain must be advised of all special cargo on board the aircraft. To comply with live animal regulations, the captain must be aware of the species, location and quantity of all live cargo on board the aircraft. This is done through the use of the Special Load Notification to Captain (NOTOC) document.
CITES Documents: Any specimen of a species included in one of the three CITES appendices must be accompanied by a CITES document.. A CITES document can be one of the following:
- An export permit
- An import permit (only required for species listed in Appendix I)
A re-export certificate
A certificate of origin (only for Appendix III species)
A certificate of captive breeding
A certificate of artificial propagation or phytosanitary certificate from some Parties
A pre-convention certificate
A certificate for live animals belonging to a traveling exhibition
A label for exchange between registered scientists or scientific institutions
Other Documents: The shipper is responsible for providing the applicable health declarations and permits required by the national authorities of the countries of export, transshipment and import. Detailed information on these documentary requirements is listed by country in TACT Rules.
Marking and Labeling: The shipper is responsible for all necessary marking and labeling on each live animal container. Each container must be of such size that there is adequate space to affix all these required markings and labels. Unless otherwise specified in the LAR, the following must be marked on the outside of each live animal container:
the full name and address and contact number of the shipper, consignee and a 24-hour contact
the scientific and common name of the animal(s) as well as the quantity of each animal contained in the container, and as shown on the shipper’s certification;
Containers carrying animals which can lead to poisonous bites or stings must be boldly marked “POISONOUS”. Aggressive animals or birds that can possibly inflict injury through the bars or ventilation openings of the container must have an additional warning label, “This Animal Bites”.
If tranquillization has been administered, the name of the sedative, the time of administration and the route of administration must be clearly marked on the animals’ container. Furthermore, a copy of the records must be attached to the other documents related with that shipment.
Sedatives (or tranquillizers) may only be given under competent supervision!
“Live Animals” label: Unless otherwise stated in the individual container requirements, it is mandatory to attach at least one IATA “Live Animals” or one “Laboratory Animals” label or tag, properly completed, to each live animal container. Any labeling, especially on small containers, must not occlude or block ventilation openings. In addition to the “Live Animals” label, it is mandatory to place the “This Way Up” or “Package Orientation” label on all four sides of the container whenever possible. Labels may already be imprinted on the container. The minimum dimensions are 10 x 15 cm (4 x 6 in) for the label and 2.5 m (1 in.) high for the lettering.
“Laboratory Animals” label: The minimum dimensions for this label are 10 x 15 cm (or 4 x 6 in).
This label, which must be attached to consignments of Specific Pathogen Free(SPF), axenic germ free) or gnotoxenic (defined flora) animals for laboratory use, shall replace the green “Live Animals” label.
Reservations and Advance Arrangements: It is a requirement that space for live animals is requested and confirmed for the animal’s journey before the animal is offered for shipping. Most direct route must be used to keep the number of landings and take-offs to a minimum, thus avoiding repeated handling and climatic changes. Avoid transfers from one carrier to another, as the subsequent carrier may not accept the first carrier’s responsibility. If transfer is unavoidable, make sure to check the requirements of the continuing carrier. (Ref: TACT Rules, Section 8.3).
It is obvious that the length of the transportation time must be kept to a minimum. The best approach is to select the nearest airport of departure to the shipper’s premises that had the appropriate facilities, as well as the nearest customs airport at destination to the consignee’s address in order to keep the transportation time to a strict minimum. Day-old chicks, for example, must be scheduled to arrive at their destination within a maximum 72-hour period after hatching. Therefore an accurate calculation of the total transportation time is must!
Airport facilities and storage: Cargo agent is responsible to make sure that the appropriate facilities and handling equipment are available at the airport of departure, at possible transfer points and at the airport of arrival. For animal containers that require special loading and unloading equipment, please check with the TACT Rules, Section 7.3, Import/Transit/Export regulations to ensure it is available when needed. Note that larger animal containers should always be designed with bars for hand lifting and/or provisions for lifting by means of a fork lift. Ensure that live animal consignments do not transit or arrive at destination during weekends and public holidays if customs and veterinary clearances cannot be provided.
Import / Transit / Export Regulations: Even the gentlest domestic pet may react violently to a strange environment, the noise and all the movement around its container. As a consequence it is common to have a separate storage area for live animals allocated in or near the cargo terminal. This area should be in dry, quiet, draught-free place. Rooms or areas at airports in which animals are held should be disinfected regularly if used on a regular basis to accommodate animals. Clearly, animals must not be held in the area during this clearing process.
Bookings: Because of the variety and complexity of regulations of regulations dealing with the transportation of live animals, very thorough planning is necessary. It therefore is a requirement that space for live animals is requested and confirmed for the journey before the animal is offered for shipping. When more than one carrier is involved in the transportation, live animals must not be accepted for carriage unless advance arrangements have been made and confirmation has been obtained that all participating carriers can accept the consignment, you also must ask for the latest possible check-in time for the shipment, bearing in mind the importance of keeping total transportation time to a minimum.
Arrival information: When advance arrangements have been made and confirmed, the shipper must advise the consignee of the anticipated arrival time in order to proceed with customs clearance. This also enables the consignee to inform the local veterinary control organism at destination that an incoming animal shipment must be checked. The carrier, on the other hand, must notify the destination and transfer stations if animals are offloaded or if the flight is delayed. Whenever possible, shippers must be notified of anticipated delays of flights in order that delivery to the carrier can be postponed accordingly. The consignee must also be notified of any delays so that he can re-arrange the pick-up.
Quarantine: It must be ascertained from TACT Rules, Section 7.3, Import / Transit / Export Regulations and it must be reconfirmed by the consignee whether or not the country of destination of the consignment requires that the animals be quarantined before they can be imported. If such is the case, all arrangements for the quarantine must be made prior to shipping. It is important that the one (shipper or consignee) who will pay for the quarantine, is informed in advance of the costs involved. Often these costs are considerably high.
Container and handling requirements: Live animals will only be accepted for carriage by air in suitable, clean containers that must be leak-proof and escape-proof. Adequate ventilation must be provided on at least three sides. The shipper must provide adequate absorbent bedding, suitable for the species carried, to absorb their excreta. The use of straw is unacceptable as many countries prohibit its importation. The container requirements, to be found on the yellow pages of the LAR-Chapter 8, provide the minimum container requirements per type of animal, as design, construction and size differs depending on the animal to be transported. These container requirements are listed numerically by using a container requirement number. This number can be found following the alphabetical list of animals’ common and scientific names.
Type of aircraft available: The carriage of live animals as cargo in the lower deck compartments of an aircraft depends on the aircraft type. As such, it is important to know the available stowage space on board. Also you must know whether or not the lower deck compartments are ventilated and/or temperature controlled. Most live animals can be carried on the upper deck of all cargo aircraft.
Loading, and stowage on aircraft: Animals must be loaded as near to the time of the aircraft’s departure as possible. They must never be left standing unnecessarily in the open, nor should they be left on standing aircraft when the departure is delayed. When special care for the animal is required, e.g., during transit stops or in case of in-flight attention, the containers must be accessible!
Particular loading requirements for certain species: For carriage of birds on long-haul flights, the cargo compartment’s lights must be left switched on to enable the birds eat during the flight. Animals which are natural enemies, e.g., cats and dogs may be loaded in the same hold providing they are not in sight of one another. Shipments of laboratory animals labeled “Laboratory Animals” must be loaded apart from other animals to reduce the risk of cross-infection or contamination.
Loading of live animals with dangerous goods: Live animals must not be loaded in close proximity of dry ice or shipments packed in dry ice. Neither should these animals be loaded in close proximity of cryogenic liquids such as liquid argon and nitrogen. They also must not be stowed in the same compartment as toxic and infectious substances. And, when live animals are loaded with packages, overpacks or freight containers bearing the radioactive labels of category II-yellow, the following separation distance must be maintained.
0.5m (19.5 in) or more for journey of 24 hours or less; and
1.0m (39 in) or more for journeys of more than 24 hours
Loading of live animals with foodstuffs: Live animals must not be loaded in close proximity of foodstuffs if these are not hermetically sealed. Also ensure that all facilities and necessary equipment are available to unload the animal(s) at its destination (or at transfer points). After offloading the containers, the aircraft cargo compartments must be cleaned and disinfected as per LAR.
Feeding and Watering: If feeding or watering is required it is the shipper’s responsibility to provide a shipper’s instruction for feeding and watering at the time of acceptance. Feeding and watering instructions must be affixed to the container and a copy of the instruction must accompany the shipping documents. Any feed or water given must be recorded on the container instructions with the date and time of supply. Also food must be provided by the shipper, but it must be checked that is does not contrive any regulations of the country (ies) of transit or importation. Unauthorized food must not be offered.
Delivery to the consignee: As previously mentioned, the consignee must be informed of the shipping details of the incoming live animal consignment prior to its arrival at destination in order to expedite customs clearance and veterinary control. Advance arrangements must be made for the animals to be picked-up (preferably on the ramp) and delivered to the consignee or his agent as soon as possible after arrival at the destination airport.
Rating and Payment: The freight rate for live animal shipments is surcharged because of the additional work involved. For more information on how to rate live animal shipments, we refer you to Unit 10 of this IATA/FIATA Cargo Introductory Course. In accordance with TACT Rules, Section 2.3-Acceptance of Goods; sub-section 2.3.1 General; paragraph 2-payment, which is reproduced below, all charges related with shipping live animals must be prepaid. They are acceptable on a collect basis only with the prior approval of the carrier(s) concerned.
Government Regulations: Before preparing a live animal consignment for carriage by air, the shipper must always and well in advance obtain full information concerning export and/or import permit, veterinary health certificate, veterinary examination, quarantine, transshipment requirements, restrictions or prohibitions (which may include the food provided for the animal), etc. The requirements contained in TACT Rules, Section 7.3, Import/Transit/Export Regulations, must be complied with at all stages of transportation (origin, transit and destination).
TACT Rules, Section 7.3, lists regulations concerning live animals under the following headings:
Government regulations are often very complex and subject to frequent change. They may also depend on the species that are being shipped. It is therefore possible that even though the latest issue of TACT Rules is consulted, a change may have occurred since its publication. Shippers must therefore obtain current requirements from the local consulate or national authority concerned, so that the animals are correctly documented and no delay occurs at destinations.
If the appropriate regulations are not met, the consequences might be very severe as the shipment can be returned to origin, quarantined, or even destroyed.
Country of origin / Transit / Destination: Make sure that the animal species is not protected under national legislation of country or origin and may be exported. Check the regulations in TACT Rules, Section 7.3, Import / Transit / Export Regulations to see whether any special documentation for the type of animals you are carrying is needed at the transit point(s). It might be, for example, possible that you need to have a special in-transit permit, a veterinary health certificate or any other documents. It is also necessary to check the so as to be able to provide the correct documentation upon arrival. Note that the requirements for the countries of transit and destination may differ, in which case the documents accompanying the shipment will be the total of all those necessary.
If an import license and/or a letter of credit are required, their details must be known in advance in order to ensure that transportation is performed in respect with their contents. The details of these documents must also be inserted in the handling information box of the air waybill. The shipper is responsible for obtaining all these documents, e.g., health declarations and permits required by the national authorities of the countries of origin transit and/or destination. Note that many countries require that their representative in the country of departure (Consulate, Embassy) certifies the document (s).
Carrier’s Regulations: In addition to the provisions of the LAR, some airlines have their own specific requirements for the carriage of live animals. LAR, Chapter 3 and TACT Rules, Section 8.3, Information by carrier do contain details on the restrictions which airlines may have regarding the carriage of live animals. Some airlines may not accept live animals on certain types of aircraft, during certain periods of the year or to specific destinations. Additionally, some carriers may require animal attendants, who mayor may not be appointed by the airline. Always consult with the carrier prior to planning.
Carrier’s Liability: A Carrier will not be liable for any loss, damage or expense arising from death due to natural causes or death or injury of any animal caused by the conduct or acts of the animal itself or of other animals such as biting, kicking, goring or smothering nor for that caused or contributed to by the condition, nature or propensities of the animal, or by defective packing of the animal or by the inability of the animal to withstand unavoidable changes in its physical environment inherent in the carriage by air. In no event will the carrier be liable for death or injury to an animal attendant caused, or contributed to, by the condition, conduct or acts of animals. Attention of shippers is also drawn to the airlines’ general conditions of carriage referred to on the reverse of the air waybill for consignments offered for carriage. To assist shippers, agents and airlines in preparing shipments for air carriage, the IATA Live Animals & Perishables Board (LAPB) has developed a basic “IATA Live Animals Acceptance Check List”.
