TC Air Cargo Security Program

Overview

The security of goods and their movement throughout the total supply chain is now an essential part of the Freight Forwarder’s business. Since September 11, 2001, security, and specifically transportation security, has become an increasingly important aspect of the supply chain.

On June 2nd, 2008 Transport Canada officially launched the Air Cargo Security Initiative for freight forwarders. This initiative was launched to meet the ever-increasing need for enhanced global aviation security and to allow Canadian companies to continue shipping to and through the US. Transport Canada has structured the "Memorandum of Understanding" and related Air Cargo Security Plan with the collaboration of the Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFFA), and other industry stakeholders such as airlines, surface carriers, warehousing and distribution companies and shippers who are equally important and play an integral part of the supply chain. The CIFFA/IATA Joint Council on air cargo security has been the major driver in developing industry recommended best practices.

The development and acceptance of the air cargo security plan means that each operator in the supply chain must become security compliant by meeting all of the required protocols established by Transport Canada. The protocols or required elements include but are not limited to: Background checks for all employees involved or potentially involved in the movement of cargo destined for transportation by air; securing facilities and air cargo areas; establishing security enhanced processes and record keeping; training employees on security processes; security exercises; yearly security self audits; and Transport Canada inspections and audits. Upon successfully meeting these required elements, Transport Canada will approve each qualified Freight Forwarder as a Regulated Agent. Recognition as a Regulated Agent within Canada’s air cargo supply chain includes four key steps:

• A signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Transport Canada that lays out the terms and conditions of participation in the RA Program.
• Registration with the Secure Supply Chain Management System (SSCMS) which requires the submission of basic corporate information and shipper data.
• Completion of a site-specific Security Assessment and Characterization Questionnaire (SACQ).
• Preparation of site-specific Air Cargo Security Plans (CSP). NB: CSPs must be reviewed and accepted by Transport Canada who will conduct inspection activities to verify compliance).
• Training of all the employees involved in the movement of cargo by air.

CIFFA has developed classroom and online training programs to meet the different levels of knowledge and skill required for individuals and organizations to become compliant. They include General Awareness, Authorised Cargo Representatives and Cargo Security Coordinator training for managing air cargo security plans within a company. Please see our dedicated webpage for each of these training programs.

Benefits

Improving air cargo supply chain security delivers a range of economic, efficiency and safety benefits for industry and for all Canadians. While it increases the safety and security of people, it can also support systems that make cargo processes more efficient, even faster and more reliable. Some of the key benefits of becoming a Regulated Agent are:

• Updated information on changing Cargo Security measures, and how they impact the freight forwarding, transportation, and logistics industries;
• Lobbying the interests of Freight Forwarders with Transport Canada and the CBSA;
• Verification of the status of Canadian Shippers;
• Fewer domestic and international delays caused by security issues;
• Recognition by Transport Canada and the security regimes of other countries;
• Increased staff, company, industry and aircraft protection;
• Increased client confidence;
• Loss prevention and reduction;
• Opportunity to participate and become familiar with the type of performance standards that may be expected in the future as countries further tighten their security requirements.

For companies not participating in the Regulated Agent Program note that as of June 2nd, 2008, air carriers may apply one or more of the following options due to changes in security requirements:

• Refuse carriage of cargo on passenger aircraft from companies not participating in the RA Program or Air Carriers may treat cargo as originating from an unknown shipper, in accordance with Canadian and international security requirements.
• Charge additional fees for applying enhanced security measures (including screening) to cargo from companies not participating in the RA Program.

For more information on becoming a Regulated Agent, please visit the Transport Canada website.