Beginning this month, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) now requires that certain healthcare cargo air shipments utilize a “Time and Temperature Sensitive” label in order to communicate the unique needs of these materials. Background of the need for the label, first introduced in 2010, was detailed in a recent IATA information notice:

“The air cargo industry recognizes [the Time and Temperature Sensitive] label as a best practice. Thus, effective July 1st, 2012 the IATA Time and Temperature Sensitive label will become mandatory for the transportation of healthcare cargo shipments, pursuant to the Cargo Services Conference Resolution Manual Resolution 607, Section 1. The decision to implement this step resulted from a collective recommendation supported by the Time and Temperature Task Force and Working Group members and endorsed by the IATA Live Animals and Perishables Board.”

Applicable healthcare cargo shipments being transported by carrier airlines run the risk of being rejected should the label not be affixed to the shipment’s packaging.

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Labelmaster offers standard Time and Temperature Sensitive labels in rolls of 50 or 500. In addition, we can personalize Time and Temperature Sensitive labels with the required temperature range for your shipments. Please contact us at 800-621-5808 for more information on either of these products or if you have questions on the rules regarding these new labels.