Changes to Transport Canada’s Air Cargo Security Program
The Air Cargo Security Program has as its goal the establishment of a secure supply chain that keeps air cargo safe and free from tampering while being handled at different stages of its journey.
Starting October 17, 2016, air cargo can be screened and made secure from as early as the time it is packed, up until it is tendered to an air carrier. In order to be involved in screening, storing, transporting, tendering and/or accepting secure air cargo, a business that plays a part in the supply chain can apply to participate in the program in one of five roles.
Regulated AgentScreens cargo on behalf of others to make it secure and subsequently stores and/or transports the secure cargo.
Certified Agent
Stores, transports and/or accepts cargo that an authorized Air Cargo Security Program participant has screened and made secure.
Known Consignor/Shipper
Originates air cargo that has been made secure through a screening process applied at the time of packing.
Account Consignor/Shipper
Originates cargo and has it screened by an authorized participant in the Air Cargo Security Program to make it secure.
Authorized Cargo Administrator
Directs the movement of secure cargo without coming into contact with it (i.e. provides logistics services without screening, storing or transporting the secure cargo).
Who does the program target?
The program targets all participants in the supply chain, from the shipper/exporter to the trucking company, freight forwarder, warehouse, all the way to the airline that will airfreight the shipment and including any other intermediaries such as crating or labelling companies.
Applicants to the program must go through a comprehensive application process, be thoroughly vetted by Transport Canada, and are subject to ongoing inspection and enforcement activities.
In the case that supply chain participants are not registered with the Air Cargo Security Program, cargo must be screened by an appropriate registered participant before it can be loaded onto a passenger aircraft. This can incur additional costs to the shipper (of approximately 15¢/kg) and can result in delays of one to two days.
(This program is not designed for air export shipments moving on cargo freighters nor air export shipments moving to the U.S. as these modes have their own screening processes. The vast majority of shipments that move from Canada is on passenger flights.)
Some of the terminology, participant roles and requirements of the program have changed under the regulatory updates coming into effect on October 17, 2016. More detailed information on the program can be found on the Transport Canada website.
Contact our Project Logistics team today to learn more about what the upcoming changes to the Air Cargo Security Program will mean for you and your company’s role in the secure supply chain.
Information provided by: Project Logistics Dept. - Cole International
