The Air Cargo Security Industry Forum (ASCIF), is an informal industry group whose membership is comprised of 24 stakeholder associations (as of August 2007). Membership is intended to represent the global nature of the air cargo business. It is not open to individual companies.
ACSIF was launched in spring 2007 with the first meeting being held in June. It is jointly led by FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations) and IATA (International Air Transport) and has an Executive Committee of 8 associations.
Background
Outside the industry the dynamics of the air cargo supply chain and the impact of aviation security regulations on it, are not well understood. Regulated security standards are becoming more complex and rigorous. Regulatory developments sometimes appear politically motivated and too often do not improve security proportionate to the burden they create.
Purpose
- To contribute to improved efficiency and effectiveness in the regulation and implementation of cargo security.
- To provide a vehicle for industry associations to exchange air cargo security information; and Members with a means of discussing, agreeing and clarifying industry positions accordingly.
- To develop positions and messages, to be communicated and promoted by its Members to State authorities, regulators and other interested entities on the basis of "many voices, one message".
- To provide Regulators and State authorities with clear, well-reasoned, articulate industry messages and positions from a wider supply chain perspective than has routinely occurred in the past.
- To facilitate a means of engaging in industry-wide consultation initiatives with Regulators and State authorities through one entity, where desirable. ACSIF strives to complement and support existing industry to regulator / government relationships; it should not diminish their importance or influence in any way.
Principles
ACSIF upholds the following principles:
- We support the system of complete supply chain security.
- Each State, which contracts to ICAO Annex 17, has a responsibility to develop and implement a national cargo security program and resource it accordingly.
- Where such States have regulated agent and known shipper programmes, they should either regulate them directly or appoint independent validators for this purpose. They should not require regulated agents to inspect or oversee compliance of known shippers (consignors).
- Required security controls should be determined by threat and risk assessment.
- One-stop security within the supply chain; i.e. controls being applied once properly. Thereafter, providing secure cargo is properly protected, no further screening or inspection (e.g. during transhipment) should be required.
- Harmonisation; i.e. development of security controls and communications intended to harmonize regulations and requirements.
- Mutual recognition should always be a core objective when a new regulatory air cargo security requirement is being considered.
- Measures required to comply with aviation and customs security regulations should where feasible be consistent, harmonised and mutually recognised.
- Regulatory requirements should always be made available to those industry stakeholders who have responsibility for their implementation.
- All stakeholders should take responsibility for their security part in the supply chain.
Current Positions
- ACSIF is opposed to 100% inspection of cargo, where "inspection" requires physical or technical examination of each and every consignment.
- Whenever possible the "storage period" should not be used as a security control. It has no detection capability and provides minimal deterrent.
- There should be one set of globally accepted definitions (e.g. for "screening").