TIACA urges more governments to pursue mutual air security recognition

MORE countries should follow the lead of the United States, the European Union, Switzerland and Canada in pursuing mutual recognition on air cargo security, says The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA).

"We support efforts to enhance security of the air cargo supply chain without disrupting commercial flows. Mutual recognition of robust security regimes furthers this goal, so we commend the US, the EU, Swiss and Canadian authorities in this regard," said TIACA chairman Michael Steen.

TIACA said the progress made by governments to recognise each other's national air cargo security regimes will eliminate duplication of security controls and the costs and time delays.

Speaking at TIACA's executive summit in Moscow, US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) air cargo director Doug Brittin said the security threat remains high. "Our goal, which we know is shared by the industry, is to not lose a plane," he said.

Mr Brittin said the TSA has been working on advanced air cargo data with the UN's International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and the Universal Postal Union.

Outlining the status of the advanced air cargo screening programme, started with express carriers a year ago, then expanded to passenger and cargo carriers as well as freight forwarders since.

The objective, he said, was to prove data flows and timelines, adding: "Can DHS (US Department of Homeland Security) looking at this data quickly analyse, determine risk and get information on which screening method to use to the proper place at the proper time?

"The key part of this is moving that trusted shipper concept to a data driven analysis. We want to be able to make a determination based on historical data about shippers, plus incorporate the trusted shipper rule."

Mr Brittin urged forwarders to be part of this process. "The sooner the data is transmitted the better. We suggest forwarders and carriers conduct active discussions with all parties in the supply chain as soon as possible to help determine the outcome and help design the process overall."

Said Mr Brittin: "Together we have made significant progress in enhancing air cargo security, and industry has risen to the challenge, both in the all-cargo and the passenger carrier segments. We are moving steadily toward closing all gaps. What we have put into place are risk-based, intelligence-driven approach applying tiered screening protocols."