The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that the Air Cargo Advance Screening Program (ACAS) has been in effect since June 12, 2018.
According to official information, advance air freight information is required for shipments arriving in the United States from a foreign destination.
Previously a voluntary process in which many global airlines already participated, the program requirements are now mandatory for airlines flying to the United States. This is a necessary measure as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues to raise the bar for aviation security around the world.
Mandatory step
As part of the ACAS program, participating carriers They must send, as soon as possible, a Air Cargo Data Subset to CBP, prior to arrival and before cargo is loaded onto aircraft destined for or transiting through the United States. ACAS leverages threat and other data received by DHS to enhance air cargo security through targeted vetting using risk analysis methodology. At the National Targeting Center, CBP and TSA jointly record and mitigate any cargo identified as high-risk before it is loaded onto an aircraft destined for the United States.
"The ACAS program is a vital element for CBP to prevent illegal smuggling"ACAS is a comprehensive, comprehensive and effective way to improve the quality of our services while streamlining legal trade," said CBP Commissioner Kevin McAleenan. "It was established in partnership with the air and express cargo industry, and represents the government and private sector working together to solve challenging problems. The formalization of ACAS will enhance and support the continued growth of our business in the years to come." Security for the small packaging and air cargo industry ".
"TSA and CBP continue their strong partnership to secure the homeland, and these new regulations enhance the screening of incoming air cargo,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “Our procedures, in conjunction with industry, will enable a more efficient and cost-effective approach to securing the homeland.” effective and efficient examination "of the high volume of cargo transported daily to the United States."
working together
To secure incoming air cargo CBP and TSA work together to employ a layered approach to security, including the use of multiple risk assessment methods to identify the highest-risk cargo and mitigate projected risks. When this high-risk cargo is identified, enhanced cargo screening is executed in accordance with TSA-approved or accepted security programs.
Terrorist threat?
While there is no current specific terrorist threat to cargo bound for the United States, Terrorists continue to target the aviation sectorCBP and TSA continue to work closely with other government entities and the transportation industry to ensure that U.S. ports and cargo facilities are secure.
In October 2010, the global counterterrorism community disrupted a potential terrorist attack when explosive devices were discovered concealed onboard cargo aircraft bound for the United States. This incident demonstrated the importance of advanced intelligence in identifying and disrupting terrorist attempts to exploit the global supply chain. CBP and TSA collaborated with express carriers and launched the ACAS pilot in December 2010. The pilot program quickly expanded to include participation from stakeholders within the air cargo community, such as passenger carriers and freight forwarders.
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen certified the program by signing the final rule on May 23 regarding Advance Review of Air Cargo. The program has been in effect since June 12, 2018.
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
