This fifth edition of the IATA Cargo Handling Manual (ICHM) is effective 1 January to 31 December 2021. This manual contains the latest procedures and recommended practices for the safe and efficient handling of cargo.

The IATA Cargo Handling Manual (ICHM) defines cargo handling standards for carriers and ground service providers to ensure that cargo operations are safely, efficiently, and consistently accomplished. Procedures reflect the minimum standards as identified by the aviation industry.

The ICHM interfaces with the AHM and IGOM and as such may refer to those publications. Just as with any carrier or group operation requiring coordination between groups the same coordination will be done between the IATA Cargo Governance and the IATA Ground Operations Governance to ensure standards interlock in the most seamless way possible.

The scope of the ICHM is limited to activities landside of the warehouse and the warehouse itself, only referring to grounds operations activities so as to ensure the cargo processes are well understood. The reverse is true for the IGOM.

The ICHM structure aligns to the Industry Master Operating Plan, ensuring that operational procedures are documented aligned to the agreed business process. This facilitates not only an ability to speak using common language to all parties but also facilities process improvements but spotting process redundancy more effectively.