Canada Announces New Air Cargo Security Program
Transport Canada has announced a new Air Cargo Security Program to be phased in and fully implemented by 2015. The program will build on the more rigorous screening requirements that were initiated in 2009-2010 and is to be fully compatible with U.S. cargo screening requirements.
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Highlights of the Air Cargo Security Program
Highlights of Canada’s Air Cargo Security Program are as follows:
Screening must be ensured by supply chain. There will be an obligation for all cargo shippers, freight forwarders and air carriers in the supply chain process to ensure that cargo screening is completed and verified.
Acceptable screening processes. The program will define which technologies and processes are acceptable for screening of different risk classes of cargo along the supply chain (based on the origin and destination of the cargo; type of aircraft used (e.g. passenger or all-cargo); the contents, size/configuration, wrapping/packaging and sealing of the cargo). Through an analysis of these factors, shippers will know which of the following screening processes is acceptable: physical inspection, canine check, explosives trace detection, or X-ray scanning.
Scope of mandatory screening to increase. Under the new program, Canada will increase the scope of mandatory screening, for example, by making the higher-risk classes and the sources of air cargo a priority.
New screening technologies. Shippers, freight forwarders and air carriers will use newer and more effective technologies and processes to screen cargo.
Air carriers can re-screen or refuse cargo. Air carriers will continue to have ultimate responsibility to ensure that air cargo they take on board is secure, and will have the right to re-screen or refuse cargo whose security is suspect.
Security checks. All companies involved in screening cargo will require thorough security checks.
Compatibility with U.S. Transport Canada states that the Air Cargo Security Program will be fully compatible with other trading partners, including the U.S., which will help sustain and improve trade.