The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is reminding all Importers, Exporters, Carriers, and Freight Forwarders that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) security requirements take effect for 100% of all international all-cargo flights by June 30, 2021. The requirements include the screening of cargo to identify and/or detect hidden explosives and institute supply chain security controls that prevent the introduction of concealed explosives into air cargo. Shippers will now be required to pay screening fees for all-cargo aircraft shipments.

This rule is not new and has been in effect for cargo transported on commercial passenger aircraft since 2010. To accommodate the commercial passenger aircraft screening, the TSA established the Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP) and established technology to be used to assist in screening.

With this reminder the TSA is announcing a Secure Packing Facility Program. On Monday, June 14, the TSA released in Federal Register Notice 86, No 112 FR 31512 the announcement of the opportunity to become a Secured Packing Facility (SPF). The TSA is looking for manufacturers, shippers, suppliers, warehouses, vendors, e-commerce fulfillment centers, and third-party logistics providers in the air cargo supply chain to become an Indirect Air Carrier (IAC) and then an SPF. SPFs must apply security controls to secure cargo that moves through the supply chain destined for outbound international locations onboard all-cargo aircraft subject to TSA regulatory oversight. If all requirements are met, then cargo moving from an SPF to an all-cargo aircraft operator will not need to be screened.

TSA is now accepting applications.

If you have any questions, please contact your Noatum Logistics representative.