Canada’s Air Cargo Security (ACS) Program helps to protect trade and keep goods moving quickly and efficiently across the border. Allowing cargo to be screened and secured early in the supply chain minimizes delays at airports. Canadian businesses can participate in the program, which also helps to reduce costs for importers and ensure that goods aren't tampered with during the delivery. Learning more about the program can reveal how your business can benefit and the difference between signing up as a known consignor or an account consignor.
Canada’s security program for air cargo was created to ensure that cargo transported by air complies with strict security standards. The program aims to reduce security risks while facilitating the seamless flow of legitimate goods across the border.
At the heart of the program is the Secure Supply Chain, which is a screening program that allows cargo to be screened and secured as early as the time of packaging. The goods that are part of the Secure Supply Chain program then stay protected against tampering until they reach their destination, maintaining their screening status in the process.
By spreading the responsibility of screening across different parts of the supply chain versus at airports only, the ACS program reduces delays, minimizes repeated screening, and gives importers more control over the way their goods are handled and processed.
Rather than relying on airport security checks, the Secure Supply Chain makes screening a shared responsibility across multiple groups. So freight forwarders, ground carriers, shippers, and warehouse operators can become part of the program, as long as they’re authorized by Transport Canada.
The Secure Supply Chain revolves around three primary principles that must be maintained:
Businesses must undergo a rigorous vetting process to achieve status as a trusted participant in the program, including ongoing inspection and enforcement programs.
Transport Canada prescribes specific methods that trusted program participants must use to screen and secure air cargo that enters the secure supply chain.
After cargo has been screened and secure, it must remain protected against tampering throughout the journey. A verifiable, chain-of-custody process must be used to prevent tampering and unauthorized access at each stage of the delivery.
For shippers, the Secure Supply Chain provides safeguards and efficiencies that translate into fewer delays, more predictable transit times, and streamlined logistics for moving goods across international borders in airplanes.
Businesses in Canada that ship goods by air can choose to participate in the Air Cargo Security Program as a known consignor or an account consignor.
A known consignor is a business that’s authorized to screen and secure cargo at the time of packing. This option is preferred for some companies that deal with high-value items, sensitive goods, or perishable products, such as jewelry, medicine, or fresh produce.
When screening and securing air cargo as a known consignor, businesses maintain stronger quality control over the handling of their goods. Businesses also get to avoid additional screening fees and greatly reduce the risk of delays once their cargo reaches the airport.
An account consignor originates cargo but relies on an authorized program participant, such as a freight forwarder, warehouse, or carrier, to handle the screening process. This option is often more cost-effective for businesses when shipping products like apparel, consumer goods, or printed materials.
An account consignor gets to meet security requirements for the Secure Supply Chain, but avoids the need to invest in the ability to perform screening. The trade off involves handing control over the process to another organization, which might not be desirable when shipping certain types of goods.
For most international shipments arriving in Canada, the Air Cargo Security Program in Canada is voluntary. However, participating in the program provides significant advantages for businesses.
Participation means faster transit times because goods are not held up at airport security queues. It also reduces costs by avoiding repeated or redundant screening fees. Security is strengthened as shipments are protected against tampering throughout the shipping process. Maintaining compliance with the Air Cargo Security Program improves access to international markets where strict enforcement of secure cargo requirements is mandatory instead of optional.
Whether you’re sending fresh produce overseas or importing consumer goods across North America, participating in the Air Cargo Security Program can create a competitive advantage by securing your cargo early in the shipping process and moving it through the Secure Supply Chain.
Shippers interested in benefitting from the air cargo security program must go through a strict application process. Businesses can apply directly through Transport Canada, but the process can be complex and requires preparation and detailed paperwork.
Working with an experienced partner can make a significant difference. As a customs brokerage and freight forwarding provider, Cole helps businesses throughout the entire process, including whether to sign up as a known consignor or an account consignor. We can guide you through the application process, and ensure compliance with requirements.
Customs consulting is what we’ve been doing for more than half a century. Connect with Cole today.