Shanghai Pudong International Airport Cargo Terminal Co., Ltd. (PACTL) has secured three industry firsts in rapid succession, establishing itself as mainland China’s benchmark for air cargo excellence. The operator now holds IATA’s ISP:IEnvA certification, full CEIV certification across all major categories, and leads the region in internationally recognised sustainability frameworks.
Historic Sustainability Milestone
PACTL and its sister facility PACTL WEST became the first air cargo terminal operators in the Chinese mainland to complete the IATA Integrated Sustainability Program (ISP) Environmental Assessment (IEnvA). The certification validates structured environmental management across daily operations, cargo handling and facility maintenance.
The terminal embedded sustainability into core workflows through measurable initiatives: on-site photovoltaic power expansion, forklift electrification, lighting system upgrades and paperless processes. These actions cut overheads whilst protecting operational margins.
“IATA commends Pudong Int’l Airport Cargo Terminal for achieving the ISP:IEnvA certification. I believe that the first move by PACTL can help advancing sustainability both effectively and efficiently. Meanwhile, this is also a remarkable and impactful step that can lead the way among all airports and other stakeholders in the Region.”
– Dr Xie Xingquan, IATA Regional Vice President, North Asia
Full CEIV Portfolio Secured
PACTL is the first cargo terminal in mainland China to obtain full IATA CEIV certification across all major air cargo categories. The company now holds validated competency in four core specialisations:
- Pharmaceuticals – temperature control and traceability for medical cargo
- Lithium batteries – standardised handling and emergency management protocols
- Fresh and perishable cargo – humidity control and time-critical workflows
- Live animals – specialised transport environments and welfare standards
The CEIV (Center of Excellence for Independent Validators) programme is a globally recognised certification system established by IATA. Each category requires independent validation of infrastructure, staff training, operating procedures and emergency response capabilities.
The four certifications demand an integrated management system spanning multiple scenarios, disciplines and operational standards. This achievement strengthens PACTL’s ability to meet diverse domestic and global logistics needs for clients worldwide.
IATA’s Integrated Sustainability Programme Explained
The ISP Registry is maintained by IATA and lists organisations participating in the Integrated Sustainability Program. The programme has four main categories: ISP IEnvA, ISP Procurement, ISP Social and ISP Performance.
ISP IEnvA covers airlines, airports, cargo handlers and ground handling service providers with various scope certifications. Airlines can be certified for CORE activities (mandatory), with optional scopes including MRO, ground handling, catering and other specialised areas.
Airport certification includes mandatory CORE activities for terminal and airside operations, with optional scopes for support elements, landside access and master planning. Cargo handlers and ground handlers have mandatory CORE activities with optional scopes for maintenance and hospitality services.
Organisations are listed with their specific scope and certification expiration dates. Major airlines participating include Emirates, Qatar Airways, British Airways, Air Canada, Lufthansa group airlines and LATAM group airlines. The registry provides transparency by publicly listing all organisations certified or in initiation for IATA’s sustainability programmes.
Industry Recognition and Strategic Alignment
Carsten Hernig, Deputy General Manager of PACTL, positioned the certifications within the broader aviation supply chain context:
“Aligning with internationally recognised frameworks such as IEnvA supports our ongoing efforts to meet the expectations of customers and partners throughout the aviation supply chain.”
– Carsten Hernig, Deputy General Manager, PACTL
The achievement marks a new milestone in Shanghai’s development as a comprehensive international aviation hub. PACTL, operated by Shanghai Airport Logistics Company, already held ISAGO audit accreditation alongside its newly expanded certification portfolio.
IATA leadership views PACTL’s achievement as a model for advancing sustainability across the region’s aviation industry. Dr Xie noted that ISP:IEnvA will grow with partners to strengthen the momentum of environmental progress, deliver tangible benefits with higher quality development, and build credibility and impact in the aviation community.
Operational Updates for Spring Festival
PACTL recently published service adjustments for international inbound transshipment trucking during the Spring Festival holiday period. Changes are due to customs working hour modifications at destination airports.
Key service suspensions include:
- Scheduled truck service to NKG suspended February 16-25 (exception February 22)
- Scheduled truck service to PEK suspended February 11-25 (exceptions February 12 and 24)
- Non-scheduled truck services to over 20 destination cities suspended for 11-12 days between February 11-25
Customer inquiries regarding service changes can be directed to PACTL’s transfer office at telephone number 68842008*3660. The notice was published by the Marketing Department of PACTL & PACTL West.
What This Means for Cargo Solutions Providers
PACTL’s triple achievement demonstrates the growing importance of verified standards in air cargo operations. For freight forwarders routing high-value cargo through Shanghai, the certifications offer measurable benefits:
- Reduced compliance risk – internationally aligned procedures for pharmaceuticals, batteries, fresh goods and live animals
- Client confidence – independent validation of environmental and operational standards
- Supply chain transparency – public registry listing and scope-specific certifications
The environmental certification complements existing international accreditations in safety, quality and environmental management. PACTL’s structured approach to sustainability principles across operations, cargo handling and facility maintenance sets a regional benchmark.
Shanghai’s cargo terminal now offers cargo solutions providers routing options backed by the highest tier of international certification. The facility’s combination of full CEIV coverage and ISP:IEnvA certification creates a complete compliance framework for complex, high-value cargo movements through one of Asia’s largest aviation hubs.
Regional Implications
PACTL’s first-mover position in mainland China creates competitive pressure for other terminals to pursue similar certifications. The ISP Registry currently lists organisations across four programme categories, with 11 organisations under ISP Procurement, 7 under ISP Social and 9 under ISP Performance.
The certification validates that PACTL meets internationally recognised environmental management standards whilst maintaining operational efficiency. For SME freight forwarders seeking to compete with larger players, access to certified terminals through open networks becomes a strategic advantage. Quote faster, ship smarter, and infrastructure built to global standards.
