Effective October 16, 2016 Transport Canada Air Cargo Security program comes into effect.
The Regulations Amending the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations, 2012 and the Designated Provisions Regulations (Air Cargo) outline the rules of a voluntary program for shippers (known consignors) and third-party service providers such as truckers, warehouse operators, and freight forwarders (certified agents and regulated agents) who wish to screen, transport or store secure air cargo intended to be flown on passenger flights. This program is voluntary in the sense that the requirements apply only to those shippers and third-party service providers who choose to participate and have been approved for acceptance into Transport Canada’s Air Cargo Security Program.
The updated regulations will facilitate flow of goods, align with international practices and make air cargo screening more efficient in Canada. These amendments will introduce additional options for the screening and securing of air cargo, enhance the security of the overall supply chain, and align the Canadian regime with international standards.
Approved shippers will be allowed to screen cargo at any point in the secure supply chain-from the location where it is packed to where it is loaded on an aircraft. These changes will provide shippers with more flexibility and help reduce bottlenecks, move goods efficiently, and meet the highest security standards.
Under the new regulations, businesses may apply to join Canada’s Air Cargo Security Program on a voluntary basis. If accepted into the program, they will be allowed to handle, store, transport, and screen air cargo according to stringent conditions prior to its arrival at the airport. Participants must comply with all regulatory requirements and are subject to ongoing oversight and enforcement by Transport Canada.
The regulations include requirements for:
- Screening of air cargo by shippers;
- Tendering, transporting and storing of secure air cargo;
- Background checks of workers with access to secure cargo;
- Reporting of security incidents; and,
- Enhanced record keeping.
The amendments come into effect on October 17, 2016. In addition to bringing Canada in line with international shipping standards, they will help advance Beyond the Border-the Canada-U.S. Action Plan on Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness. Transport Canada published the Regulations Amending the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations, 2012 and the Designated Provisions Regulations (Air Cargo) in Canada Gazette Part II Vol. 149, No. 13 – July 1, 2015.
View Transport Canada program on Air Cargo security Program.