TSA security changes to imports from Australian air cargo to USA

Effective 1 July 2017, US air cargo security screening will require that one of the following requirements has to be fulfilled before any import from Australia is to be accepted:

  • Originating from a known consignor
  • Examined at piece level by a regulated air cargo agent (RACA)
  • Examined at piece level by the CTO upon acceptance of freight and before loading onto an aircraft

This is non-negotiable, which means Australian-based exporters, freight forwarders and airlines has to adapt to these new security measures or they will not be able to export to the US by air from the 1st of July.

TSA air cargo security changes 2017TSA air cargo security changes 2017

Problems and issues associated with the 2017 US bound air cargo security screening requirements

This change in implementation is not an easy task to fulfill, especially with the following issues to consider:

Difficulty in deciding whether to invest in technology, systems staff training
Revised processes to obtain the EACE notice

Given these challenges, let us journey together through the change in processes included in the 2017 US bound air cargo security screening requirements.

US air cargo security screening requirements 2017US air cargo security screening requirements 2017

Known consignor processing

The Known Consignor Scheme was introduced by Australia in late 2016 to meet the new requirements for US-bound air cargo.

Who are eligible to join this scheme?

Businesses that have an Australian Business Number and originate international air cargo are eligible to join the Known Consignor Scheme.

Generally the process requires a minimum of 10 weeks to be completed, but this may take longer depending on the quality of security measures you have presented. This does not include further delays due to the high demand for the scheme.

How much will it cost?

The Known Consignor Scheme application costs may include:

  • Creation or modification of security procedures and documentation
  • Installation of security related equipment or signage
  • Training and background checking of employees

Once approved, it will last for a period of up to five years and will allow you to export products into the US quicker and more conveniently.

Approved applications and those on process

Upon the announcement of these changes back in 2014, numerous applications were filed via the Office of Transport Security (OTS). These resulted to 394 Known Consignor applications, completed 140 validations and have approved 31 Known Consignors.

However, these 31 Known consignor only collectively comprises 10% of air freight exports to the USA. Why does it resulted to only 31 out of the 394 applications?

Air cargo security approved known consignors applicationsAir cargo security approved known consignors applications

Why the low turn around of approved applications?

The very low turn around of approved applications may be due to the following strict requirements demanded by the OTS & US TSA air cargo agreement:

  • physical access controls and facility security measures
  • information security measures
  • secure packing, handling and storage of air cargo
  • secure transportation of air cargo
  • security awareness training
  • background checking of employees to ensure they are of suitable character, including a
  • requirement for staff in key roles to hold an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC)
  • quality control procedures in place to monitor and manage compliance
  • incident response and reporting procedures

It is obvious from this list, that obtaining the right to be considered as Known Consignor requires a big amount of time and money. No wonder very few had passed the criteria set by OTS.

Enhanced Air Cargo Screening Program

Given that very few had their Known Consignor Application approved, the next option is for your cargo to be screened via the Enhanced Air Cargo Screening (EACE) program. But what is the difference of this new air cargo security screening program to the traditional security screening procedure?

The need to undergo piece-level examination for air cargo security screening

Piece-level examination is the individual examination of your cargo be before it is packed into unit load devices (ULD’s) or onto pallets. In Australia, it meant the need to undergo the following four approved examination methods:

  • X-ray
  • Electronic Metal Detection (EMD)
  • explosive trace detection (ETD)
  • physical examination

If your business is interested in examining a cargo at piece level, you should apply to the Department for you to be formally validated and be issued with an EACE notice.

What to do now that the TSA Security Change will take effect on the 1st of July?

Freight Forwarder Quote Online (FFQO) is ready to assist you with your air cargo export from Australia. Adam Excel from FFQO said,

“The US government has made it clear that there will be an increase in the time cargo is required to be submitted to the airline prior to the flight. Cargo will now be required to be lodged with airlines a minimum of 6 hours before a flight.

“There will be increased costs from enhanced screening of between US$0.05/kg to US$0.15/kg with a minimum of up to US$20 per shipment depending on the airline being used.

“We are ready for this, make sure you are too.”

Leave your air cargo security worries behind. We do our best to make your air cargo export process fast and convenient. Send us a message for any of your queries and concerns.