Air Cargo Security Program - What You Need to Know | Help Center

On February 1st, 2021, Transport Canada announced the latest enhancements to their air cargo security program, which was implemented on June 30th, 2021.

What is this program, and how might it benefit you?

This information might be useful if you ship goods by air regularly, internationally, or in sufficient quantities. Did you know when trying to load any type of good on an aircraft, the product must undergo a strict screening process? This is very similar to what happens with aircraft passengers when they go through security screening.

When did this program begin?

After the events from 9/11, many drastic changes occurred to the screening process of passengers and their luggage (e.g., x rays, metal detectors, or explosive detecting technologies). Naturally, cargo was not too far behind, even though many challenges presented themselves from the screening. Year over year, there have been increases in freight being transported by aircrafts. The idea of the program started from wanting to extend the security and screening of goods from not only the air carriers but also the manufactures and packagers. If possible, this could even include road carriers delivering to the airports. All this needed to be done while maintaining a very stringent chain of custody/security of the goods.

How can it impact my business?

Having your business be a part of the national/federal air cargo security program that is compliant with the ICAO Annex 17 recommendations may provide you with the following advantages:

May ensure fewer delays while shipping, and can ship goods on both passenger or cargo aircraft and domestic or international flights;
May have some cost saving by not having to pay for your goods being screened by the carrier;
Your goods will be tracked and secured to prevent possible theft or loss;
You will have access to a list of all participants to the program that may to assist in securing your supply chain and control costs, and minimize delays;
You will have access to Transport Canada’s Secure Supply Chain Information Management System (SSCIMS) and can search in SSCIMS for approved companies to partner within the supply chain to ensure cargo is secure throughout.

Who can participate in the program?

Anyone can apply through Transport Canada at the link below and inquire for more information. However, there are very strict requirements that have to be met to be recognized by the program. Here are some examples based on Transport Canada’s five pillars to air cargo security:

Personnel safety (background check) – all personnel that will come into contact / handle the goods must have a valid police background check done on a regular basis and recorded on employment files to include up-to-date addresses and phone numbers;
Training – valid training meeting ICAO annex 17. Transport Canada requires training on how to recognize threats provided by a reputable training establishment (periodic retraining needed);
Chain of custody – must maintain a strict chain of custody from the manufacturing of your goods to the loading on an aircraft
Control – maintain a secure location
Safety of the installation – have a secure warehouse or work environment that only approved personnel has access to. Remember that cargo is deemed as secure by the program if it has been screened by either the Air Carrier or by a Program Participant who is approved by the Air Cargo Security Program.

Click here for the Transport Canada Air Cargo Security Program.

Click here for the programs members list.

The air security program by Transport Canada can be advantageous to your organization to ensure security of your goods throughout the shipping process. This can limit loss or theft that can be justified by the additional regulatory requirement that would need to follow.

We have our own library of FAQ’s which address many common and not so common questions regarding handling, storing or shipping hazardous materials. As always, our team of experts is just a call away for our customers at 855.734.5469 or send us an email, we’re happy to help.

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