Cargologic obtains IATA CEIV pharma certificate

Cargologic has obtained certification as a Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) from the International Air Transport Assocation (IATA) for the handling of pharmaceutical products at Zurich Airport.

The cargo handler says temperature-controlled handling of pharma is becoming “increasingly challenging” owing to global regulatory conditions.

In July 2015, the Swiss Confederation adapted the Medicinal Products Licensing Ordinance and adopted the European Union “Good Distribution Practice” guidelines, which entail stricter requirements for all players involved in the logistics chain.

Cargologic says the certificate is confirmation that it ensures the quality of all temperature-sensitive airfreight consignments entrusted to it in all stages of handling, storage and transport.

IATA’s global head of cargo, Glyn Hughes, says: “Transporting and handling pharmaceuticals present both challenges and opportunities for stakeholders in the logistics industry.

“Recognizing this, IATA has created CEIV Pharma, to help airlines, handlers and forwarders be compliant with international regulations, and in turn, make airfreight the modal choice for the transportation of pharmaceutical products.”

Cargologic managing director, Marco Gredi, says the company has been working hard to ensure product integrity of pharma shipments. “This further enhancement of their quality service offering goes in line with our constant aim to respond to the needs of the industry and provide participants in the air cargo value chain with the tools to ensure that they are operating to the highest standards for the transport of what in many cases are life-saving drugs and medicines,” Gredi explains.

“This important certification shows that Cargologic’s services in airfreight handling, even of sensitive goods, meet the highest standards. We are continuously developing our leading-edge expertise on behalf of Swiss pharmaceutical manufacturers and consumers, and our operating and technical competencies are state-of-the-art,” Gredi adds.

Cargologic received authorization from Swissmedic for the transshipment of medicinal products at Zurich Airport in December 2013 and for EuroAirport (Basel) in April 2015.

The company says it plans to apply for IATA CEIV pharmaceutical certification in Basel and Berne in the near future.