North America tightens air cargo security after European device scare

The discovery of incendiary devices in European parcel networks has prompted swift action from the US and Canadian governments to tighten air cargo security.

In July, two incendiary devices were found at a Leipzig parcel hub, having originated from the Baltics. This incident, suspected to involve Russian actors, raised concerns about the safety of global supply chains and the possibility of further attempts to sabotage freight networks.

On the 21st August, the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued Cargo Security Directive No. 1544-24-02, requiring air carriers to submit enhanced details of shippers and consignees for US-bound shipments.

Although the directive is not public for security reasons, it has already impacted carriers, with at least one suspending freight services to the US from Europe, CIS countries, and the Middle East until November.

Following the TSA’s actions, Transport Canada implemented its own security measures on the 4th September. Air Canada Cargo announced that shipments from 55 European and Central Asian countries must come from known and trusted shippers.

Transport Canada defines an “established business relationship” as an active account or documented payment history for at least 90 days before the issuance of the mandate, with a minimum of six shipments made during that time.

These regulations are designed to ensure that only cargo from shippers with established business relationships will be accepted, and all shipments must be accompanied by specific documentation for added security.

The new documentation requirements demand specific “established business relationship” messaging on air waybills for shipments originating from the following countries:

PSP Worldwide Logistics air exports to North America continue to fly without issue, or delay. Inbound consignments are processed through customs and associated border agencies by our network partners in the USA.

EMAIL our managing director, Colin Redman, to discover how we can keep your North American time-sensitive supply chain optimised.