Airforwarders Association issues new IATA framework forwarder risk warning on new IATA air waybill
Airforwarders Association (AfA) has expressed serious concern over changes to the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Direct Air Waybill (DAWB) framework, warning that freight forwarders could face significant new legal and insurance liabilities.
The revised framework, which came into effect on 1 July, could alter the contractual relationship between airlines, shippers, and freight forwarders, potentially leaving forwarders responsible for obligations traditionally borne by the shipper, including cargo misdeclarations, concealed dangerous goods, and packaging failures.
"Freight forwarders should not be expected to assume liability for cargo they neither own, pack, nor control," said Brandon Fried, Executive Director, Airforwarders Association.