News Content

New EU air cargo security rules antagonises Russia out in cold

RUSSIA is up in arms over new European Union air cargo security rules, as the former Communist block has not been allowed by the EU to join the "green list" that verifies existing safety checks are sufficient not warrant more.

Moscow has threatened to retaliate by imposing additional security requirements on cargo shipments from the EU. That could ground air trade between the two markets, reported Reuters.

With the latest row looking set to worsen tensions after the debacle over Crimea's annexation from the Ukraine, Russia is arguing that its airlines and airports require no extra checks as they have met safety standards set by a United Nations aviation body.

"We don't see the necessity to reconfirm once again adherence to implementation of the measures," Russia's ambassador to the EU Vladimir Chizhov told Reuters.

"Russia does not intend to undertake additional inspections."

Air carriers flying cargo into the EU from Russia are now rushing to secure extensions from European authorities and say they are caught in the middle of a political dispute.

Several Russian airlines said they were continuing cargo shipments to Europe as normal.

According to the cargo rules, from July 1 airlines shipping cargo into the EU must have their security procedures verified by an EU-accredited expert at each airport they use outside the EU.

They will be exempt from the programme provided they receive an extension of up to six months from EU officials or their country is exempt from the rules.

The main sticking point between Brussels and Moscow is a so-called "green list" of countries, which do not need extra checks because their security standards are considered exacting enough.

Russia has been pressing for inclusion on the green list of 10 countries, including the United States and Japan. The EU has yet to make a decision.

A spokesman for Russia's Transport Ministry said Russian officials had sent a letter to the European Commission suggesting another round of talks but were yet to receive a reply.

The European Commission, however, said it had no knowledge of the letter.

Earlier, a EU transport official said the EU was "ready to work with partner countries to smooth the implementation... and in some cases to accept small changes to the rules."