The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) 100% screening requirement for shipments transported on all cargo aircraft has now been in effect since June 30th, 2021. This provision required that all shipments transported on all-cargo international aircraft be screened to the same standards as cargo transported on passenger aircraft. Following this mandate, the industry struggled to comply with certain types of cargo known as Impracticable to Screen (ITS) Cargo. In short, this is cargo that simply cannot be screened via any available screening method due to its commodity (ex: drums, sealed cans, gallons), as these containers often include liquid, powders, metal shavings, etc. Currently, certain ITS amendments are being made to bypass screening; however, this amendment will not stick around.
At a recent Air Cargo Conference in Nashville, TN, on February 13, industry stakeholders called for the TSA to urgently address the impact of this mandate which will come into full force October 31, 2023. Although the mandate has been in effect, up until now the sector has been working with a very limited number of TSA alternative security measures for ITS cargo. Those measures will expire at the end of October 2023 and will not be renewed. TSA’s response to this is to have shippers get on board with TSA’s Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP) program. Naturally, attendees were not in agreement to this response.
While the Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP) is the only viable way to meet new screening requirements, much preparatory work and communication with shippers must be carried out by the TSA to make CCSP ready for the November 2023 deadline. Up until now, TSA has not released TSA certified entities, like Tranco Global, to share any information on this topic due to Sensitive Security Information (SSI). Therefore, panelist urged TSA that the industry must have TSA’s support in messaging our shippers that the CCSP will be the only realistic available option to continue to move certain cargo come November 2023. Otherwise, if a resolution is not found, cargo may have to move via ocean freight.
Please note Tranco Global has a very close relationship with TSA and is monitoring this situation proactively to provide the latest updates and prompt service to all clients.
For more information, please refer to 49 CFR 1548, Docket No. TSA-2020-0001, or via this link below:
Please reach out to your Tranco Global representative for additional information regarding the CCSP program and for other air freight related assistance.
