Looming August Deadline For Air Cargo Screening

(Lexology)

US law requires that, beginning this August, 100% of cargo loaded onto passenger planes must be screened. This screening requirement applies to foreign originating flights to the United States, as well as domestic flights within the United States. For domestic departure flights, starting in August, aircraft operators will not be permitted to load cargo that has not been screened. Many have worried that this requirement will result in screening bottlenecks at airports and delayed cargo.

In response to these concerns, the Transportation Security Administration created the Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP), which allows US businesses to become certified to screen cargo before it arrives at an airport.

TSA and its umbrella organization, the Department of Homeland Security, are encouraging more businesses to become certified screeners. For example, DHS will ‘fast-track’ certified screening facilities for Safety Act designation, which is a form of insurance against terrorism. TSA also has indicated a willingness to consider industry-wide security standards as the bases upon which businesses may become certified to screen cargo under the CCSP. Recognition of such industry standards can reduce the burdens for businesses seeking certification. Read more here.