TIACA commends Transportation Security Administration (TSA) decision not to proceed with December 31, 2011 deadline for 100% screening of inbound cargo to the United States

The US Department of Homeland Security Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) decision not to proceed with a December 31st 2011 deadline for 100% screening of cargo on international passenger aircraft bound for the United States is the ‘right decision� says The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA).

Michael Steen, Chairman of TIACA, said: “We wish to commend TSA on this decision. We fully recognise its intention to enhance existing air cargo security programs but it is showing the foresight to listen to, and work with, the industry towards this objective. This is the result of TSA requesting comment from the air cargo industry on the feasibility of a December 31st 2011 deadline and its careful consideration of the advice it received. 

“We expect to engage in further consultation with TSA along with other industry partners to ensure we continue to maintain the highest possible levels of air cargo and aviation security. This has always been our priority, and we are pleased that TSA has taken into account industry’s views. We need to maintain this truly collaborative approach to continue improving and evolving security.  

In April,  Neel Shah, Senior Vice President & Chief Cargo Officer for Delta Air Lines and Chairman of TIACA’s Security Sub-committee, warned of‘significant global supply chain disruption

if TSA enforced its proposed December 31st 2011 deadline. At that time, he commented: “Unless TSA and, more broadly speaking, the entire U.S. government focuses the necessary resources on reviewing the process and timeline by which foreign security programs are validated and placed into the TSA’s National Cargo Security Program (NCSP), we will face some significant disruptions to the global supply chain. It’s critical that we get more foreign programs under review and certified into the NCSP in the next few months- especially if TSA is considering an accelerated deadline for 100% inbound screening.

Following TSA’s announcement yesterday, Michael Steen added: “Through ongoing dialogue, TSA has demonstrated to us a willingness to work alongside the air cargo industry in its ongoing security review and to take on board our advice and concerns. We will continue to be a committed partner in this process, balancing the needs of the industry with our shared goal of sustaining the most robust level of air cargo security. 

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