On Monday, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said its changes to the Certified Cargo Screening Program would allow more shippers to enter the secure supply chain.
TSA mandated on June 30 that all air cargo originating in the United States destined for non-U.S. locations be screened or secured before being loaded onto an aircraft as a way to meet international standards and address potential threats.
“The Certified Cargo Screening Program ensures that air cargo moves more quickly and securely through the supply chain,” said TSA Executive Director for Air Cargo John Beckius. “With this expansion, TSA will partner with interested participants in the cargo supply chain to carry out a TSA-approved security program and adhere to rigorous chain-of-custody requirements. This will enable certified program participants to package and ship secure air cargo, while reducing the need for additional screening requirements later in the supply chain.”
The agency said it is “actively encouraging” indirect air carriers, manufacturing facilities, assembly facilities, shippers, warehouses and distribution centers to apply for and become Certified Cargo Screening Facilities. Once certified by TSA, the facilities will be able to pack, secure and tender cargo for air transport with no additional screening required.
The TSA said the changes to the Certified Cargo Screening Program had been published to the Federal Register. More information about the change, and applications to become a Certified Cargo Screening Facility, are available at TSA’s website.