ITS Meeting in Chicago with TSA, hosted by IACAC, CCBFA and AfA

To meet the 100% screening requirement for cargo flown on international all-cargo (freighter) flights, the TSA now provides a temporary pathway for impossible-to-screen shipments to fly, provided specific security standards are attained.

TSA advises that this program will be discontinued on October 31, 2023. After that date, cargo deemed impracticable (impossible) to screen will no longer be allowed to be transported on international flights to and from the United States.

In preparation for this deadline, TSA recommends that Indirect Air Carriers speak to their customers who ship these commodities about the benefits of joining the Certified Cargo Screening Standard Security Program (CCSSSP). This initiative began in 2007 by TSA to prevent long backlogs at constrained airline warehouses. The CCSSSP allows certified freight forwarders, ground handlers, and independent security firms to screen cargo for passenger aircraft away from the airport before it is consolidated. Shippers can also qualify as Certified Cargo Screening Facilities (CCSF) if they pack each consignment in a secure portion of their warehouse.

A few weeks ago, the TSA issued this informational flyer for our members to show their clients when discussing joining the CCSSSP. In addition, TSA encourages interested shippers to contact the agency with their forwarder in copy so that both can monitor the application process together.

While the CCSSSP regulation was written for passenger aircraft, TSA informed that the regulation would soon include all-cargo (freighter) flights.

The International Air Cargo Association of Chicago (IACAC), the Chicago Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association (CCBFA) and the Airforwarders Association (AfA) frequently engage the TSA. For example, during a meeting at its headquarters last week, we were again told that after October 31, 2023, these shipments would no longer be allowed to fly. After that date, the agency said these commodities must be transported on another mode unless tendered to the Indirect Air Carrier or airline by a Shipper Certified Cargo Screening Facility (CCSF).

In response to this impending deadline, IACAC, CCBFA and the AfA invite interested TSA-certified indirect air carriers to attend a meeting in Chicago at 10:00 to 11:30 am CDT on Tuesday, June 27. The gathering will also include TSA air cargo division leadership, who will share the agency's insights on meeting the requirement and options available for shippers.

We thank the Chicago Department of Aviation, the Chicago Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association, and the International Air Cargo Association of Chicago for helping us facilitate this important gathering.