Airforwarders Association (AfA) Executive Director Brandon Fried has urged shippers to prepare for US air cargo security enhancements, which come into force in October affecting certain types of freight on international all-cargo flights.
The temporary Impracticable to Screen Amendment will come to an end on 31 October 2023, meaning cargo that cannot be screened using traditional methods due to size or volume restrictions will not be eligible for air transportation unless shippers are enrolled in one of Transport Security Administration (TSA)’s authorised cargo security programmes.
Shippers can join one of the programs on a voluntary basis to gain trusted status.
“There will only be three options after October 31st; join one of the programs, use sea freight instead of air freight, or don’t ship cargo at all,” Fried told delegates at the CNS Partnership Conference in Miami, USA, yesterday (Monday June 5th).
“TSA is holding the line on this, there will be no extension.
AfA will be holding its next face-to-face meeting about the security programs on 27 June 2023 in Chicago, working with the International Air Cargo Association of Chicago and the Chicago Brokers and Forwarders Association, followed by events in New York and Los Angeles.
“If you want us to come to your city, let us know,” said Fried “, adding that this should be a tripartite effort between shippers, forwarders, and TSA.
Why the need?
On 30 June 2021, TSA mandated that all air cargo originating in the United States and destined for non-US locations be screened or secured before being loaded onto an all-cargo aircraft
This mandate for the air cargo supply chain addressed an international requirement that all cargo, including, but not limited to, unique items such as drums containing chemicals and large industrial equipment, be screened or secured against potential threats to aviation.
“To support this effort, TSA is providing an opportunity for additional shippers, assemblers, and manufacturers to apply security during the packaging process that will be sufficient to reduce the need for screening later in the supply chain,” said Beckius.
“To participate in this option, these entities will need to become a Certified Cargo Screening Facility, which means they will be certified by TSA to assemble, pack, secure, and tender cargo for air transport in a secured manner such that no additional screening will be required.”
