North America tightens air cargo security amid European threats

Recent security threats involving incendiary devices in European parcel shipments have led U.S. and Canadian authorities to introduce new, stricter air cargo security measures.

The action follows a German security alert that two incendiary devices were found in the parcel shipment system. These packages are believed to have originated from the Baltics, triggering suspicions of Russian involvement.

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was among the first to respond, issuing Cargo Security Directive No. 1544-24-02 on the 21st August. This directive, while not publicly available for security reasons, is known to require air carriers to provide enhanced details of shippers and consignees for all U.S.-bound cargo.

The aim is to tighten screening and prevent potentially dangerous shipments from entering U.S. airspace. Korean Air Cargo responded to the directive by suspending cargo sales on U.S. routes from Europe, CIS countries, and the Middle East until mid-November.

Following the TSA’s lead, on the 4th September, Transport Canada implemented similar measures, mandating that air cargo from 55 European and Central Asian countries may only come from established shippers with known business relationships.

According to Transport Canada, an “established business relationship” is defined as an active account or a documented payment history for at least 90 days before the issuance of the mandate, with a minimum of six shipments tendered within that period.

Additionally, new documentation requirements were put in place, demanding specific “established business relationship” messaging on air waybills for shipments originating from the following countries:

Noatum Logistics has been providing air freight services into the USA and Canada for over 50 years, with same day clearance and delivery available.

If you would like to discover more about our air freight services to North America, or have any questions or concerns about the moves by Air Canada and the TSA, please email Matt Fullard.