The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has unveiled LAR Verify, a digital platform aimed at enhancing the welfare, safety, and regulatory compliance of live animal transport by air. This new tool gives airlines, freight forwarders, and shippers real-time access to the specific requirements outlined in the IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR), which have guided global air transport of live animals for over five decades.
LAR Verify simplifies the entire shipment process from planning and booking to acceptance and handling by automating compliance checks. It integrates directly into existing cargo systems and supports IATA’s ONE Record initiative, which seeks to create a single, trusted source of truth for cargo documentation.
Rules and regulations
The platform offers comprehensive details on country and airline-specific rules, documentation needs such as import permits, and technical standards including container specifications and labeling. It also provides live updates on trade restrictions and disease control measures, helping ensure shipments are aligned with current regulations.
Additionally, LAR Verify features an API function that allows shippers and freight forwarders to upload necessary documents for airline approval before moving the animals. This helps avoid unnecessary animal movement and ensures all paperwork is verified in advance. In 2024, there were nearly 200,000 live animal shipments globally, a growth of 11% compared to 2019, highlighting the importance of efficient and humane transport systems.