Acceptance Check

An acceptance check is the systematic verification process conducted by carriers or ground handling agents to confirm that a shipment meets all requirements and is ready for air transport. The process involves verifying that shipments are security cleared, performing a ready-for-carriage check that confirms all information aligns with the actual shipment, and ensuring all embargoes and operational restrictions are applied. Before a consignment is first accepted for carriage by air, the operator must use a checklist to verify compliance, with operators required to identify the person who performs the check.

A United Airlines Cargo shipment with AWB number 016-12456789 undergoes an acceptance check at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), where ground handling agents verify documentation, inspect packaging integrity, confirm weight and dimensions match the Air Waybill, and validate security screening status before issuing Ready for Carriage status. An Emirates SkyCargo dangerous goods shipment with AWB prefix 176 requires a specialized acceptance checklist per IATA DGR Section 9.1.3.3, where trained personnel verify proper UN markings, shipping declarations, packaging specifications, and absence of leakage before acceptance.

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• cargo acceptance check

What specific items must be verified during an acceptance check for dangerous goods?

Before accepting dangerous goods, the operator must use a checklist to verify: the outer packaging is permitted and matches the type on the Shipper's Declaration, the package does not contain dangerous goods requiring segregation, and the dangerous goods are not leaking with package integrity intact. Exceptions to these procedures are detailed in IATA DGR Section 9.1.3.3.

What happens after an acceptance check is successfully completed?

Upon successful completion of all ready for carriage checks, the carrier sends the Ready for Carriage Status message (X)FSU-RCS to the freight forwarder. Once everything has been checked, the information is validated against the booking and updated. The IATA Cargo Handling Manual 10th edition (2026) includes clarified definitions of Latest Acceptance Time (LAT) for streamlined cargo operations.