V. Chandra Kumar, Hon. Secretary of Logistics Club of Bengaluru, highlights the barriers freight forwarders face in accessing DGR certification.
V. Chandra Kumar, Hon. Secretary of the Logistics Club of Bengaluru, sheds light on the growing challenges in India’s logistics sector concerning Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) certification for freight forwarders. The severe shortage of approved training institutes and qualified instructors has become a major obstacle. Most DGCA-approved centers are run by airlines and ground handling agents, prioritising their own staff and leaving independent freight forwarders with limited, expensive options.
The shift to a mandatory competency-based DGR training model, requiring both certification and refresher courses every 24 months, adds to the complexity. DGCA’s location-specific approval policy further exacerbates the issue, limiting access for freight forwarders in regions without nearby training facilities.
As India’s aviation infrastructure expands, the demand for trained professionals is set to rise. However, the current framework risks a skills gap, threatening air cargo operations. Kumar advocates for policy reforms to make DGR training more accessible and affordable for the industry’s growth.
