The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) is urging the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to expedite its evaluation of new technologies to support the pending 100 per cent cargo screening mandate, scheduled to take effect in August 2010.

TIACA says it is concerned that much of the equipment currently certified for use for screening is inadequate and illsuited for processing palletised air cargo. Existing technologies, the association says, are mostly only appropriate for the passenger screening environment.

Air cargo screening requirements detailed in the IFR rely on existing technologies, but the TSA says it will continue to consider different technologies or methods for screening cargo transported on passenger or cargo flights.

Ulrich Ogiermann, TIACA chairman, said: “New technologies geared towards the air cargo environment and capable of screening at the consolidated level are urgently needed. The availability of such technologies could have a significant impact on how the 100 per cent screening threshold is met. We therefore urge TSA to ensure transparency in its review procedures, expedite its evaluation of new technologies and seek to deploy new technologies ahead of the August 2010 deadline.”