Transport Canada issues update on security rules for air cargo

Transport Canada has issued a security policy update on air cargo.

The update reads as follows:

“In respect of flights carrying passengers, an air carrier shall not transport a consignment of cargo unless:

a)the cargo is tendered by a shipper or freight forwarder that is an account holder with the air carrier having a verifiable record of at least three shipments with the air carrier within the previous six months, and the cargo

(i) has been accepted by an employee or agent of the air carrier who has completed the Transport Canada Cargo Screening Training Program, or

ii) has been in the continuous custody of the air carrier or agent (GSA) of the air carrier in an area of the aerodrome to which access is restricted to authorized persons, or in a facility or vehicle operated by the air carrier or its agent, for at least six hours beyond the planned arrival time at destination of the first available flight between the point of departure and the destination.”

Transport Canada in a “clarifying appendix”, has added the following:

“Agent of the carrier” is not freight forwarder. A shipper or freight forwarder that is an account holder with the air carrier having a verifiable record of at least three shipments with the air carrier within the previous six months is considered a ‘known shipper’.”

The Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association explains this means the freight forwarder, by directive of Transport Canada, is considered a shipper and is subject to the same security rules of the air carrier as a direct shipper. Under the circumstances, air carriers will continue to claim the already implemented security forms from all freight forwarders.

"CIFFA’S board and management will further assess the ramifications of these directives and decide whether or not follow-up with Transport Canada is required," said the head of the organization, George Kuhn.