The Transportation Security Administration has announced changes to the Certified Cargo Screening Program that will enable more shippers to enter the secure supply chain.
In June 2021 TSA mandated that all air cargo originating in the U.S., destined for non-U.S. locations, and transported on all-cargo aircraft be screened or secured before being loaded onto an aircraft to meet international standards and address potential threats to aviation.
TSA subsequently approved amendments for “impractical to screen” cargo to help industry meet this regulatory requirement. These amendments expire Oct. 31, 2023, and will not be extended. As a result, after that date air cargo shipments previously transported under the ITS amendment will have to be accepted into the air cargo supply chain in accordance with the CCSP or be screened by the air carrier.
TSA is now actively encouraging indirect air carriers, manufacturing facilities, assembly facilities, shippers, warehouses, and distribution centers to apply for and become a certified cargo screening facility. Doing so means they will be certified by TSA to assemble, pack, secure, and tender cargo for air transport in a secured manner, with no additional screening or fees required later in the supply chain.
CCSFs must adhere to stringent security requirements set by TSA, screen cargo at the piece level, initiate and maintain the integrity of cargo through chain of custody measures, and permit onsite validations and periodic TSA inspections. They must also comply with all requirements in their security programs, which involve chain of custody, training, facility security, compliance and oversight, personnel security, screening, and protection of screened cargo.
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