From 1 July 2017, only cargo that has been examined at piece-level by a Regulated Air Cargo Agent, or originates from a Known Consignor can be uplifted onto a US-bound aircraft.
DHL Express is a Regulated Air Cargo Agent and has already prepared for the regulatory changes. All engineering and technology is in place at all relevant facilities to enable security screening at piece level for customers shipments.
On 1 November 2016, the Known Consignor scheme was introduced by the Government as an option for businesses that are shipping to the US. To join the scheme, businesses must demonstrate that they can meet strict security measures that provide a security outcome for their cargo. These measures include facility security, security of information and personnel, and training requirements.
To submit an expression of interest go to http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/security
US-bound air cargo security arrangements
From 1 July 2017, United States (US) legislation requires all air cargo being transported to the US to either be examined at piece-level or originate from a Known Consignor.
Complying with this obligation will require Australian-based exporters, freight forwarders and airlines to adopt new security measures for the preparation of US-bound air cargo. To help industry meet this obligation, the Australian Government has introduced new security arrangements that allow:
- approved businesses to examine air cargo at piece-level off-airport from 2015 with an Enhanced Air Cargo Examination (EACE) Notice; and
- export businesses to join a Known Consignor Scheme.
The Department encourages businesses to discuss their future arrangements for US-bound air cargo with their customers and supply chain logistics service providers.
https://infrastructure.gov.au/security/air-cargo/us-bound-air-cargo-security-arrangements.aspx
Implementing piece-level examination
In August 2015, the Australian Government secured US Government agreement to phase-in piece-level examination of 100 per cent of US-bound air cargo over a two-year period to July 2017.
As airlines are ultimately responsible for accepting air cargo for uplift, the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requested each airline to submit a proposal outlining an implementation plan to meet the piece-level examination requirement.
Airlines submitted plans to the TSA in September 2015, which commit them to demonstrate progress toward piece-level examination of 100 per cent of US-bound air cargo. The plans encourage industry to implement changes gradually, up until the 1 July 2017 deadline. Airlines are required to report regularly to the TSA against incremental piece-level examination percentage targets over this time.
Off-airport examination—Enhanced Air Cargo Examination (EACE)
The EACE notice permits businesses to examine and clear international air cargo at piece-level. Piece-level means that each individual box, carton or other item in a shipment is examined by technology before it is loaded onto an aircraft.
Air cargo cleared by an EACE examiner does not require further examination before it is loaded onto an aircraft. Piece-level screening commenced at a number of off-airport examination facilities under the EACE notice from July 2015.
EACE notices are available to businesses operating in Australia. Businesses that are interested in, or are currently capable of, piece-level examination should contact the Department at eace@infrastructure.gov.au for further information.
Want more information about EACE? Visit: Air Cargo Examination
Known Consignor
Known Consignors are a new category of industry participant, directly regulated by the Department. Known Consignors secure their air cargo at its source by implementing approved security measures at their sites. This means that air cargo originating from Known Consignors does not require further examination before being loaded onto an aircraft. Becoming a Known Consignor is one way for exporters to comply with the new requirements for US-bound air cargo.
Want more information about the Known Consignor Scheme? Visit: Known Consignor Scheme
Want to apply to join the Known Consignor Scheme? Lodge an expression of interest
