I recently was asked about a few of the air shipping rules of hazardous materials and IATA.  This happens over and over again.  Many people associate the term IATA with the regulatory body that oversees the shipment of hazardous materials by air.  People will ask which IATA regulation applies to this shipment?   The answer is NONE!

There are only 2 regulatory agencies involved in the shipment of hazardous materials by air.  Shipments hazardous materials by air domestically (within the US), are governed by the US DOT under 49 CFR, part 175.  Many of the same rules apply to shipping hazardous materials under 49 CFR, parts 100-185.  You must make certain about that the material(s) and quantity can be shipped by air.

If you are shipping hazardous materials by air internationally, the International Civil Aviation Organization or ICAO, is the regulatory agency, not IATA as most people believe.

 The International Air Transport Association or IATA publishes a book of ICAO regulations that many people refer to, but IATA is only an association of airlines NOT a regulatory body.  One of the biggest misconceptions I would get working for the National Safety Council, was that the Council was part of a federal agency that helped oversee safety.  Again, not true the NSC was an association of members similar to IATA. 

If an inspector walks in to your organization it best to know which agency oversee what type of shipment you are sending and what type of training you need.