TACT (The Air Cargo Tariff)
TACT (The Air Cargo Tariff) is IATA's comprehensive reference source of air-cargo rates, rules and regulations, used by forwarders and airlines worldwide to look up how cargo is priced and what rules apply on a given route. It compiles published tariffs, charges, and the country- and carrier-specific rules governing acceptance, documentation and handling of air freight.
TACT has traditionally covered the rates rules (how air freight is rated and charged — general cargo rates, specific commodity rates, class rates, minimum charges) and the rules manual (import/export regulations, prohibited items, customs and handling rules by country). While much air freight now moves on negotiated contract and spot rates rather than published tariffs, TACT remains a key reference for rating structures and, especially, the country and commodity rules that forwarders must observe. It is a foundational knowledge resource in the air-cargo trade.
TACT is the air-cargo industry's rulebook and rate reference — where forwarders check how freight is rated and, crucially, the country and commodity rules that decide whether a shipment can move at all. Even as pricing shifts to negotiated rates, the TACT rules remain essential reference for compliant air-freight handling.
What does TACT contain?
Air-cargo rates and rating structures, plus the country- and commodity-specific rules on regulations, prohibited items and handling.
Is TACT still used if rates are negotiated?
Yes — much pricing is now contract or spot, but TACT remains a key reference for rating structures and country/commodity rules.