DANGEROUS GOODS & CARGO SECURITY AIR CARG O WEEK


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CANINE SCREENING GAINS GROUND IN AIR CARGO SAFETY PROTOCOLS


BY Anastasiya SIMSEK


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“Consistency ultimately comes from following the correct guidelines and processes every time.”


to screen high volumes of shipments without needing to unnecessarily break down consignments,” says Chris Daniels, Chief Commercial Officer at Global K9. The growing complexity of air cargo, fuelled by faster e-commerce


C


fulfilment cycles and decentralised shipping patterns, has put traditional screening methods under strain. Daniels notes: “With the continued growth of e-commerce volumes, the industry needs a solution that keeps cargo moving with minimal bottlenecks, while ensuring shipments are screened, compliant, and safe to fly.” Lithium battery shipments remain one of the most difficult and


dangerous categories to monitor, especially when improperly declared. “If you had asked me last year, I would have said that the industry


should expect increasing pressure to strengthen security around lithium batteries,” Daniels says. “At WCS last year, IATA named risks associated with undeclared or misdeclared dangerous goods as a top priority, calling on governments to enforce robust regulations in defence.” However,


regulatory movement has lagged behind the operational


urgency. “Unfortunately, we have seen little progress in forming a screening mandate around detecting lithium batteries since. My hope is that progress on the proper training, technology, and compliance will accelerate in 2026,” Daniels adds. Recent updates to the TSA’s National Canine Program suggest a growing


regulatory appetite for more consistent standards. “For our customers this will mean more audits, and more requirements to meet, all things our teams are well-versed on, and prepared to help our clients meet,” Daniels says. While


technology solutions continue to evolve, Daniels


operational integration is key, they work closely with our customers and integrate directly into their warehouse operations. Global K9 has focused on hiring leadership with strong air cargo


backgrounds to stay aligned with current regulatory requirements and operational best practices. “Consistency ultimately comes from following the correct guidelines and processes every time. When we start with a new client or enter a new facility, our teams embed into their operations quickly, and support teams on-site to ensure these processes are applied correctly once screening is underway,” he says. There is also regulatory clarity as an area in need of improvement, as


they would like to see clearer regulatory frameworks covering regions, especially across the European Union (EU). Canine screening has proven its reliability, speed, and effectiveness in


air cargo, so broader regulatory recognition would allow more countries’ supply chains to benefit from that capability. Daniels encourages cargo operators and freight forwarders to take a more active role in shaping policy. “I would urge companies to get involved in the formation of air cargo


ACW 23 FEBRUARY 2026 www.aircargoweek.com


argo security is facing a turning point with e-commerce volumes surging and undeclared lithium batteries posing persistent risks. Canine screening is no longer a niche solution, as iIt’s becoming an integral part of standard air cargo safety procedures.


“Canine screening has become one of the quickest and most reliable ways


regulations. Air cargo does not have enough of a voice when it comes to governmental oversight of our industry, so getting involved in the conversation, either directly or through the relevant associations, is paramount.”Canine screening gains ground in air cargo safety protocols Cargo security is facing a turning point with e-commerce volumes surging


and undeclared lithium batteries posing persistent risks. Canine screening is no longer a niche solution, as iIt’s becoming an integral part of standard air cargo safety procedures. “Canine screening has become one of the quickest and most reliable ways


to screen high volumes of shipments without needing to unnecessarily break down consignments,” says Chris Daniels, Chief Commercial Officer at Global K9. The growing complexity of air cargo, fuelled by faster e-commerce


fulfilment cycles and decentralised shipping patterns, has put traditional screening methods under strain. Daniels notes: “With the continued growth of e-commerce volumes, the industry needs a solution that keeps cargo moving with minimal bottlenecks, while ensuring shipments are screened, compliant, and safe to fly.” Lithium battery shipments remain one of the most difficult and dangerous


categories to monitor, especially when improperly declared. “If you had asked me last year, I would have said that the industry should


expect increasing pressure to strengthen security around lithium batteries,” Daniels says. “At WCS last year, IATA named risks associated with undeclared or misdeclared dangerous goods as a top priority, calling on governments to enforce robust regulations in defence.” However, regulatory movement has lagged behind the operational urgency.


“Unfortunately, we have seen little progress in forming a screening mandate around detecting lithium batteries since. My hope is that progress on the proper training, technology, and compliance will accelerate in 2026,” Daniels adds.


Recent updates to the TSA’s National Canine Program suggest a growing believes


regulatory appetite for more consistent standards. “For our customers this will mean more audits, and more requirements to meet, all things our teams are well-versed on, and prepared to help our clients meet,” Daniels says. While technology solutions continue to evolve, Daniels believes operational


integration is key, they work closely with our customers and integrate directly into their warehouse operations. Global K9 has focused on hiring leadership with strong air cargo backgrounds


to stay aligned with current regulatory requirements and operational best practices. “Consistency ultimately comes from following the correct guidelines and processes every time. When we start with a new client or enter a new facility, our teams embed into their operations quickly, and support teams on-site to ensure these processes are applied correctly once screening is underway,” he says. There is also regulatory clarity as an area in need of improvement, as they


would like to see clearer regulatory frameworks covering regions, especially across the European Union (EU). Canine screening has proven its reliability, speed, and effectiveness in air


cargo, so broader regulatory recognition would allow more countries’ supply chains to benefit from that capability. Daniels encourages cargo operators and freight forwarders to take a more active role in shaping policy.


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