This is the 11th edition of the IATA Temperature Control Regulations (TCR), an industry recognized standard for the efficient and adequate shipping of time and temperature sensitive goods. It will be effective from 1st January 2023 to 31st December 2023. The former TCR editions were based on the requirements stated in the IATA Perishable Cargo Regulations (PCR) manual and replicated the chapter dealing with the packaging, labelling, handling of pharmaceutical products and mainly the chapter on healthcare logistics (PCR Chapter 17), which was a result of the work undertaken by a cross industry working group comprised of representatives from the pharmaceutical industry, the air transport industry and their service providers.

This edition came about as a result of the pharmaceutical industry requiring a standalone healthcare regulation. The Temperature Control Regulations (TCR) is its own specialized publication. Therefore the 16th edition (2017) of the IATA Perishable Cargo Regulations (PCR) extracted all content related to the handling of pharmaceuticals from the PCR into the standalone TCR.

The IATA Temperature Control Regulations (TCR) is a comprehensive guide designed to enable stakeholders involved in the transport and handling of pharmaceutical products to safely meet the requirements.

Cargo handlers and operators will need to be made aware of special handling requirements at the time when shipments are being planned, ideally through SOPs and service level agreements. That is way in advance of their reservation with the operator.