U.S. and UK Strike Balance on International Dangerous Goods Rules

World Airline News, Sept 29, 2000

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the United Kingdom's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) this week signed a memorandum of cooperation designed to promote compliance with international standards for the safe transportation of dangerous goods by air.

"Improper shipments of hazardous materials by air is a global problem that requires international cooperation," said FAA administrator Jane Garvey. "Building on the already strong alliance in many other safety areas between the United States and United Kingdom, today's agreement extends that cooperation now to include dangerous goods inspections and enforcement."

CAA chairman Sir Malcolm Field said, "Today's agreement enhances the excellent working relationship that we share with the FAA. As two of the most respected civil aviation regulators in the world, we can help to set an example as to how this important area of cargo should be monitored."

The broad principles governing international transportation of dangerous goods by air are contained in the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Annex 18 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, 'The Safe Transport of Dangerous Good by Air.'

Annex 18 permits cooperation between countries in investigating and prosecuting dangerous goods cases involving more than one country, today's memorandum between the FAA and CAA ensures this cooperation.

Under the memorandum, the FAA and CAA have agreed to coordinate the investigation of incidents and to share safety information on dangerous goods.