AfA expresses worries regarding the updated IATA Direct Air Waybill framework.

The Airforwarders Association (AfA) has expressed concerns about the new Direct Air Waybill (DAWB) framework from IATA, which took effect on July 1. The AfA warns that this change may increase legal and insurance liabilities for freight forwarders, making them responsible for issues usually managed by shippers, like cargo misdeclarations. Executive Director Brandon Fried emphasized that freight forwarders should not bear responsibilities for cargo they do not own or control. The AfA advises members to secure written confirmations from airlines regarding the applicable contractual framework and to review their insurance policies in light of these changes. Additionally, varying implementation of the framework by different airlines could cause further confusion in the industry.