As advised in the media last week, there were two separate incidents of incendiary devices catching alight at carrier’s cargo hubs. This has led to Transport Canada placing an embargo on air cargo with the below restrictions.
Shipments tendered for destination (or via) Canada on behalf of a freight forwarder or Known Agent must have the following message added to either the airwaybill or the e-AWB (added to the OSI line):
“These shipments originated from a shipper that has established business relationship per Transport Canada SMIACEurope-Asia-29Aug2024”
Alternatively, the shipment could be accompanied by a letter that must be dated and on company letterhead. Two letters must be submitted, one to retain on file by the carrier and one attached to the MAWB. The letter must state the following:
“The shipments tendered, if have originated from one of the below countries, has an established business relationship with (name of the consolidator/freight forwarder/Agent) per the Transport Canada regulations SMRIAC-EU/Asia/29Aug2024”
An established business relationship is defined by Transport Canada, as follows:
An active account or documented payment history, for at least 90 days prior to the issuance of Transport Canada SMRIAC-EU/Asia (i.e. an account in existence since at least 31 May 2024) and involves a minimum of six (6) shipments tendered within that 90-day period.
The alternatives are cargo only aircraft, charters (cargo only) or ocean freight.
BIFA are making enquiries relating to EXW shipments (where the shipper is not the “customer”) and will update members accordingly.
Enhanced Air Cargo Advance Screening
Further to the above US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are enhancing data requirements to their ACAS system.
The following notice has been issued by American Airlines:
| As of September 2, 2024 As previously communicated on August 28th, the United States Government (USG) recently issued new data requirements impacting shipments traveling to or transiting through the United States (US). In accordance with these requirements, effective immediately, we ask that customers include the three data elements requested on August 28th, as well as the four additional data elements listed below, which our systems can now accept, in the transmission of both FHL and FWB messages sent to American Airlines Cargo Previously requested on August 28, 2024: Shipper Account Name (SHP or ESA if different) Shipper Phone Number (Table 11 SHP) Consignee Phone Number (Table 12 CNE) New Data Elements requested September 2, 2024: Shipper Account Number (ACT) Shipper Account Issuer (ISR) Shipper Email (EML) Consignee Email (EML) Please be advised that the USG has also communicated that an additional six data elements will need to be transmitted to ACAS in the very near future, once IATA has finalized messaging standards. These data elements are as follows: Shipper Account Type (ACP) Verified Known Consignor? (KP) This is a Y/N upon submission Shipper Account Establishment Date (EST) Shipper Account Billing Type (BLT) IP Address (or MAC Address of Shipper, Consignee, Account Creation etc.) Bio Data/Proof of Identity/Document Number/Document Country Additional details regarding these data elements are outlined in ACAS Implementation Guide Version 2.3, Section 3.3.2. Note to Self-Filers: If you currently self-file or plan to self-file to U.S. customs authorities, you will also need to include all of the data elements outlined above in your direct messages to ACAS. We also request you send the FWB, as well as House AWB information via FHL messages to American Airlines Cargo. We are rolling out our approach by geography starting with Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and request immediate action from our customers located in these countries in order to ensure compliance with these new USG guidelines. A communication related to the rest of the world will follow shortly. We will continue to work with USG on additional measures and will communicate any resulting requirements and actions as we become aware of them. Thank you for your compliance and continued support. American Airlines Cargo |
Note from BIFA: We urge members to review the data requirements and be conscious a similar embargo may be placed on USA – be prepared.
