Membership
Associations which have joined the task force or expressed interest in doing so include, in no particular order, ACI World, ECS, UPU, GEA, ALPA, AEA, FIATA, IATA, TAPA, CCA, IRU, TIACA, AAPA, ESC, EVO, GSF, CLECAT.
We anticipate inviting members to an opening meeting in Europe during Q2 and to offer those based elsewhere the opportunity to participate via conference call. Early agenda items will include; agreement of core objectives; formation of an executive steering group; and specific priority actions.
Core objectives may include; positively influencing developments in cargo security regulation, harmonization of global standards, promoting and developing the principle and practice of air cargo supply chain security and improving communication of relevant issues amongst and between members. Key principles will include " many voices, one message" and "developing talk into action".
North America
US Cargo Security
On January 8, 2007 TSA provided airlines with seven security programs designed to implement measures contained in the cargo final rule. As we know, many provisions contained in these programs were unworkable and vague. On March 5th, the TSA then revised these cargo security programs to respond to carrier and association concerns. It now appears that the TSA will imminently be releasing yet another revision. What is unknown is whether many of the provisions of the March amendment will be rolled back to the January wording. We are urging TSA to avoid changes to the March revision that might invalidate or nullify the significant changes made by the carriers to comply with cargo security requirements. Regardless, if the TSA chooses to "amend" or "revise" the cargo programs we will insist that industry be allowed to comment on the record of the impact of the resulting programs. On the horizon, there is already informed speculation that an additional revision will be released in fall.
US Cargo Legislation
As part of a larger 9/11 security enhancement bill the US Congress addressed the issue of the screening of cargo carried on passenger aircraft. Both the Senate and the House of Representatives drafted their own versions of this 9/11 legislation. The House version calls for 100% inspection of cargo, while the Senate version calls for 100% screening. The intended meaning of these words (inspection vs screening) will be determined sometime in May during a Conference between House and Senate members. The House version of the bill includes $160M in funds to be used to purchase cargo screening equipment, and increase the number of canine detection teams at the nations 42 biggest/busiest airports, and the Senate version includes $60M to be used to hire a minimum of 300 additional screeners, and to add a minimum of 100 canine detection teams. IATA continues to work with ATA and other industry partners in the US to encourage a solution that enhances security, but does not overwhelm the scare security resources of the industry and TSA. As a side note, this legislation faces a threatened presidential veto should language allowing for the unionization of the TSA workforce remain in tact. We will continue to monitor.
Canada
Transport Canada (TC) has formed 4 short-term Expert Working Groups (EWG) to address the following subject matter: Screening of High Risk Cargo; Verifications of secure partners (Known Shipper Management System); Policies and procedures (SMS); Training and awareness programs; Designated security personnel such as coordinators/managers; Vetting of employees; Physical security (facilities) and Transportation security. The groups, which are being chair by TC representatives, are required to prepare and submit a final report of their conclusions by June 07.
Europe
Efforts to amend Regulation (EC) 2320/2002 continue. A number of amendments have been adopted by qualified majority voting and will now be transferred to the Council of Ministers for the second reading. The next meeting of the Cargo Security Work Group, which is developing amendment proposals to Commission Regulation (EC) 622/2003 as amended by Commission Regulation 832/2006 takes place in BRU on 03 & 04 May.
Singapore
Singapore aims to raise its level of national supply chain security standards through implementation of a national supply chain security program. It is intended to address the rising security threats of terrorism as well as facilitate trade for trusted supply chain partners. Their program referred to as the Secure Trade Partnership (STP), is scheduled for implementation in mid-2007. STP is a voluntary program that will be administered by Singapore Customs, is open to all supply chain stakeholders and is consistent with the WCO Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (as adopted in June 2005).
OSCE (The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe)
OSCE held a special Forum for Security Co-operation in March to discuss the trafficking of small arms and light weapons by air. IATA was invited to represent the industry and deliver a presentation on the subject of how the industry could support the initiative. Details are available on request.
TIACA (The International Air Cargo Association)
TIACA held its 2007 Executive Conference and Annual General meeting in April. Session 1 was entitled Air Cargo Security in an Age of Global Terrorism. The keynote speaker was Robert C. Bonner (former Commissioner US Customs and Border Protection).
Request for News items
The relevance and success of this news brief will in part depend upon member contributions and feedback. Please feel free to send either or both to edwardsj@iata.org or P.Timmermans@adelantex.be. Thank you.