Agents had options on financial submissions: IATA

Responding to claims made by forwarders about their requirements to remain accredited, IATA said it had always given agents an option during the process.

"A copy of the financial criteria was sent together with the letter to agents asking them to submit their annual financial review," an IATA spokesman said.

"The financial criteria clearly indicate that the accounts provided may be either audited financial statements or financial statements prepared by a qualified accountant. 

IATA said its agents had had the option to contact its customer service representatives to clarify their requirements.

However, some forwarders told Lloyd's List DCN that efforts to discuss the issue had been unsuccessful.

Forwarders said it appeared that they risked a $600 penalty or having their accreditation reviewed for not meeting all requirements detailed in a checklist sent to them as far back as June.

Some forwarders spent up to $7000 having their accounts audited only to be told that they had not needed to do so.

IATA said it did not determine the financial criteria for accredited cargo agents.

"Any revision to the financial criteria for Australian cargo agents has to be endorsed by the cargo executive council in Australia, which is comprised of equal representation by five cargo agents and five airlines," the spokesman said.

"It then has to be approved by the Cargo Agency Conference before it comes into effect."