Cargo handler dnata has received Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics (CEIV Pharma) certification from IATA for its pharma-handling processes and facilities in Dubai.

dnata’s two-year preparation for certification included working closely with Dubai Airports to implement facility changes and upgrades to align with CEIV requirements. The company was assessed on its cool chain processes and facilities.

These were validated to comply with all applicable standards, guidelines and regulations, including EU, World Health Organisation (WHO), United States Phamacopeia (USP) and IATA Temperature Control Regulations (TCR).

"At dnata, we’ve continuously focussed on providing our customers with enhancements in the safety and security of their pharma shipments. This CEIV certification is a demonstration of that commitment," said Bernd Struck, Senior Vice President, UAE Cargo & DWC Airline Services, dnata.

"We use the latest technology, best practices and certified warehouses to ensure that every pharma and vaccine shipment that reaches the patient is handled in compliance with international certified standards."

With the certification, the handler aims to eliminate the chances of spoilage of highly perishable pharma cargo, and optimise the air cargo supply chain with standardisation, accountability transparency, reliability and predictability.

It has specialised pharma-handling facilities and equipment in Amsterdam, Dallas, Dubai, Houston, Singapore and the UK. These include dedicated areas for pharma-only cargo, custom built storage systems for holding chemicals used for sanitization purposes and continuous temperature monitoring systems.