CLECAT has provided an update on the security requirements following on from two separate incidents of incendiary devices catching alight at carrier’s cargo hubs. Please view the update from CLECAT below.
We would like to inform you on recent developments with regards to the imposition of stricter air cargo security requirements by both the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Transport Canada. These new provisions, affecting European and CIS-based air cargo shippers, were implemented suddenly, creating operational challenges and disruptions across the air freight supply chain.
On 10-11 September an EU-US Transportation Security Cooperation Group meeting took place in Washington DC, where this issue was raised and discussed. CLECAT was represented at the US/EU industry session by the Chair of the Supply Chain and Security Institute, Mr Andreas Wilhelm. During the session, industry expressed frustration about the lack of communication, especially on the information provided to the logistics operators. TSA/CBP expressed the intention to better inform/consult the logistics industry in case of future changes to regulations, including emergency amendments.
It was confirmed that the requirement of additional data elements required for the enhanced ACAS security filings has been postponed until 7 October. Also the requirement for a transaction history of at least six shipments has been removed. Nonetheless, business relationships between shippers and logistics operators must still be demonstrated (unless goods are being shipped on behalf of a Known Consignor).
Please find attached the ACAS implementation guide from US BCP, along with a document from Emirates SkyCargo containing the most frequently asked questions on ACAS additional Mandatory Data Elements. Note that in the Emirates SkyCargo document, it indicates that “the additional data elements for the Enhanced US ACAS Security Filing are in mandate effective immediately,” when in fact they have been postponed until 7 October.
We have also been informed that Australia has imposed stricter air cargo security requirements, affecting European and CIS-based air cargo shippers, following the initiatives of the US and Canada.
CLECAT is actively working to ensure that the stricter air cargo security measures implemented by the US, Canada and Australia are addressed during the upcoming Stakeholders’ Advisory Group on Aviation Security (SAGAS) meeting on 26 September. At the meeting, CLECAT intends to propose the establishment of an international task force. This task force would focus on mitigating risks between countries, addressing security gaps, and proposing appropriate measures in consultation with the industry. The Secretariat will keep you informed of the discussion’s outcome late next week.
