US shippers of rigid cargo screening

Airforwarders Association (AfA) Executive Director Brandon Fried has urged shippers to prepare for US air cargo security enhancements, which come into force in October affecting certain types of freight on international all-cargo flights.

The temporary Impracticable to Screen Amendment will come to an end on 31 October 2023, meaning cargo that cannot be screened using traditional methods due to size or volume restrictions will not be eligible for air transportation unless shippers are enrolled in one of Transport Security Administration’s authorised cargo security programmes. Shippers can join one of the programs on a voluntary basis to gain trusted status.

On 30 June 2021, TSA mandated that all air cargo originating in the United States and destined for non-

US locations be screened or secured before being loaded onto an all-cargo aircraft. This mandate addressed an international requirement that all cargo, including, but not limited to, unique items such as drums containing chemicals and large industrial equipment, be screened or secured against potential threats to aviation. “There will only be three options after October 31st; join one of the programs, use sea freight instead of air freight, or don’t ship cargo at all,” Fried told delegates at the CNS Partnership Conference in Miami in June.