CEIV Live Animals

CEIV Live Animals is an IATA certification program that assesses organizations based on the checklist in Appendix I of the Guidelines for CEIV for Live Animals Logistics of the IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR). The Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) in Live Animals program establishes baseline standards to improve the level of competency, infrastructure and quality management in the handling and transportation of live animals throughout the supply chain. The certification covers critical areas including quality management systems, personnel training, regulatory compliance, documentation processes, infrastructure and equipment such as Unit Load Devices (ULDs), and monitoring systems. Certification is valid for three years and requires refresher training and re-assessment to maintain status.

A Qatar Airways Cargo shipment carrying racing horses from Doha (DOH) to Lexington via Louisville (SDF) would display AWB number 157-98765432, where 157 is Qatar Airways Cargo's AWB prefix, demonstrating the airline's CEIV Live Animals certification which covers all animal types including mammals. An EVA Air cargo flight transporting exotic birds from Taipei (TPE) to Los Angeles (LAX) uses AWB number 695-23456789, where 695 identifies EVA Air as one of the few airlines globally holding all four IATA CEIV certifications simultaneously, including Live Animals.

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How long does CEIV Live Animals certification take and what are the requirements?

The certification process requires at least two key staff to pass the Live Animals Cargo Logistics Management course, followed by a 3-4 day assessment where auditors visit facilities to observe operations and verify compliance with the CEIV Live Animals audit checklist requirements. Organizations must submit a corrective action plan (CAP) with implementation dates, which is validated by the assessor before IATA grants the certification.

Which major airlines currently hold CEIV Live Animals certification?

Air Canada was the first airline certified in 2018 and first to be recertified in 2022, followed by Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Etihad Airways, Avianca Cargo, National Air Cargo Group and Challenge Airlines. EVA Air completed certification in 2025, becoming one of the very few airlines globally to hold all four IATA CEIV certifications simultaneously. As of 2024, there were 30 certified entities total, including eight airlines and four ramp handlers.