Government of Canada strengthens air cargo security
Updated regulations will facilitate flow of goods, align with international practices
OTTAWA, June 30, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, today announced changes to make air cargo screening more efficient in Canada.
Approved shippers will be allowed to screen cargo at any point in the secure supply chain—from the location where it is packed to where it is loaded on an aircraft. These changes will provide shippers with more flexibility and help reduce bottlenecks, move goods efficiently, and meet the highest security standards.
To benefit from these changes, shippers must apply to Transport Canada. They will be subject to a rigorous application process and, if approved, ongoing oversight and enforcement.
The changes to the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations, 2012, were published today in Canada Gazette, Part II, and will come into effect on October 17, 2016. In addition to bringing Canada in line with international shipping standards, they will help advance Beyond the Border—the Canada-U.S. Action Plan on Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness.
Quick Facts
- Approved shippers can include manufacturers, retailers, agents, freight forwarders, couriers, and air carriers.
- In 2013, Canadian exports and imports transported by air were valued at more than $111 billion.
- An estimated 8% of Canadian air carriers' revenue comes from transporting cargo.
Quotes
"The Harper Government is committed to maintaining a secure and efficient air cargo system. These new regulations will allow for the secure, timely, and efficient flow of goods by air, while aligning Canada's Air Cargo Security Program with those of its U.S. and international trading partners."
The Honourable Lisa Raitt
Minister of Transport
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Backgrounder
Transport Canada Air Cargo Security Program
Under amendments to the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations, 2012, Transport Canada is introducing changes to the Air Cargo Security Program. These amendments will introduce additional options for the screening and securing of air cargo, enhance the security of the overall supply chain, and align the Canadian regime with international standards.
Cargo can already be screened efficiently and effectively at a variety of points. To avoid potential bottlenecks at Canadian airports, under the updated program, businesses will have additional flexibility to determine when and where they screen and secure cargo for air transport.
Under the new regulations, businesses may apply to join Canada's Air Cargo Security Program on a voluntary basis. If accepted into the program, they will be allowed to handle, store, transport, and screen air cargo according to stringent conditions prior to its arrival at the airport.
Participants must comply with all regulatory requirements and are subject to ongoing oversight and enforcement by Transport Canada. The regulations include requirements for:
- Screening of air cargo by shippers;
- Tendering, transporting and storing of secure air cargo;
- Background checks of workers with access to secure cargo;
- Reporting of security incidents; and,
- Enhanced record keeping.
Interested participants can begin applying to the updated program in fall 2015. Interested participants can begin applying to the updated program in fall 2015. The amendments come into effect on October 17, 2016. In addition to bringing Canada in line with international shipping standards, they will help advance Beyond the Border—the Canada-U.S. Action Plan on Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness.
July 2015
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SOURCE Transport Canada
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