Canada air cargo security scheme seeks volunteer carriers, forwarders

PACT, a joint initiative between the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Transport Canada (TC), is looking for participants to support its study of inbound pre-load air cargo data for signs of risk to aviation security.

The Pre Load Air Cargo Targeting Pilot (PACT) focuses on maintaining the interdepartmental mandates of national security priorities while facilitating cross-border movement of food, plants, animals and keeping air, marine, rail and road transport safe.

Its voluntary air carriers and freight forwarders will provide air cargo data before loading on aircraft destined to Canada. Once data is received, customs and the transport department will run risk assessment of cargo data through checks and other vetting procedures.

The pilot will work with volunteer participants to provide sufficient notice in mitigating high risk cargo and minimally impact the flow of legitimate cargo, said a statement from CBSA.