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Key stakeholders representing a wide cross-section of the global air cargo supply chain gathered together for two days in Geneva to discuss and understand on how the industry can further strengthen the air cargo supply chain.

Historically, air cargo and mail industry has an excellent track record on supply chain security but following the incidents in October 2010, regulators and industry have been seeking to further enhance security within the air cargo and mail supply chain.

In support of these efforts, IATA recently conducted an industry information session on cargo and mail supply chain security on 25 and 26 October 2011 at the IATA Office in Geneva, Switzerland.

Over 150 delegates participated covering all the major stakeholders in the air cargo supply chain including airlines, forwarders, shippers, ground handlers, airports, regulators, international organizations, and technology and equipment solution providers.

The two main layers of security advance electronic information and physical security and screening were discussed in several sessions spanning the two days.

On Day 1, IATA provided a flavor of the various international industry standards available for advanced electronic information and physical screening and upcoming security regulations emerging around the world.

The regulators from the US CBP and TSA provided an update on the US Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) program pilots currently underway and also the plans for implementing 100% screening of cargo coming into the USA.

The representatives from the European Commission provided an update on the EU Import and Export Control System 10 months after implementation and the much debated new security regulations for incoming cargo into the EU scheduled for February 2012.

There was also extensive discussion on the new standard consignment security declaration, which provides an audit trail of who screened the cargo, when, where and how. There was discussion on the proof of concept pilots in the UK, about to go live and the future proof of concept in the Netherlands.

Participating in the various interactive panels and discussions were representatives from the Authorities of Singapore, Canada, Australia, Korea, UK, and international organizations such as ICAO, WCO, BIFA, GSF, UPU, and European Shippers Council. The IT solution providers and screening equipment manufacturers provided insight on how they can assist the industry to implement the new security requirements in the most efficient and effective manner.

The discussions throughout the event revealed the immense value of cooperation among the various industry partners, working to ensure that air cargo security is further enhanced without impeding the vital flow of commerce. It also confirmed the relevance of the Customs Advisory Group and of the Cargo Security Task Force; two IATA cargo working groups that helped shape this successful IATA event.