​A common standard for CSD

The Consignment Security Declaration (CSD) provides regulators with an audit trail of how, when and by whom cargo has been secured along the supply chain.

Its objective is to meet ICAO requirements, ensuring that each consignment received by an aircraft operator or a regulated agent comes with documentation, either on the e-Air Waybill or on a separate declaration.

To avoid a plethora of different security declarations, IATA developed a standard CSD in cooperation with the industry and regulators.

Resolution 651

In November 2015, the ​IATA e-CSD/CSD Resolution 651 (pdf) entered into force. It offers industry stakeholders and IATA carriers a universal standard, that provides consignment information in accordance with the requirements of ICAO Security Manual Doc. 8973 and the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 1998/20.

Electronic CSD (e-CSD)

The e-CSD allows operators to exchange and archive security information electronically to warrant that only secure cargo is shipped. This electronic document can also be audited by regulators at any point in the supply-chain and printed from electronic records.

Endorsement

Since 2013, several countries have show their official support to e-CSD:

  • The German Federal Aviation Office (LBA) issued a communication confirming that the country officially accepts the e-CSD and CSD layout
  • The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) agreed that freight forwarders, carriers and ground handling agents could implement the e-CSD in addition to the CSD paper layout
  • The Swiss Civil Aviation Authority (FOCA) informed the air cargo industry that they can implement e-CSD and its layout as defined in the latest ICAO Aviation Security Manual

Standard CSD layout

In July 2013, the CSD layout and its completion instructions were incorporated into the ICAO Aviation Security Manual. Authorities that do not yet accept the e-CSD could now accept the standard paper CSD layout, and it can also be used in countries where an electronic transmission of security information is not yet possible.

The standard paper CSD layout is:

  • Compliant with required security information
  • Acceptable to regulators internationally
  • Applicable for direct and consolidation shipments
  • Useable for all regulated agents (at house & master)
  • Able to include ad-hoc country textual statements (e.g. emergency amendments
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