GACAG encouraged International Civil Aviation Organization members to use standard international codes for screening technologies and protocols. It also urges ICAO to develop global standards for screening requirements such as explosive trace detection and the use of canines.
“The use of cargo screening technology should be to detect and deter acts of unlawful interference to cargo and mail to be loaded on an aircraft and to improve air cargo security,” said Carolina Ramirez, head, secure freight, IATA, and chair of GACAG’s security task force. “We recognize the need for a multi-layered approach to air cargo security. We advocate a risk assessment approach, including advance electronic information risk assessment based on intelligence to better identify the appropriate screening methodology to be used.”
Screening technology needs to be effective, fast, automated and capable of screening different types, sizes and volumes of cargo, GACAG said. Future equipment design should also take into account the air cargo supply chain process and constraints.
“GACAG encourages cargo screening technology manufacturers to continue to innovate and provide solutions for technical screening, including screening of Unit Load Devices containing different types of cargo,” Ramirez said. “We believe global standards will encourage manufacturers to make the necessary investment in new technologies.”
GACAG said full-flight simulation systems and cooling periods, such as holding cargo for 24 to 48 hours, are not by themselves acceptable screening methods for cargo unless supported by other technologies, including X-ray, explosive trace detection and air sampling.
In the position paper, GACAG said it supports the use of variable screening methodologies beyond baseline security measures for high-risk cargo. It also underlines the importance of training.
“We need standardized training on how to determine the most appropriate screening methodology to be applied for specific consignment types,” Ramirez said. “Authorized operational staff must be properly trained and regularly tested on the correct and effective use of screening technologies, and there must be a hierarchical structure of management support.”
GACAG encouraged International Civil Aviation Organization members to use standard international codes for screening technologies and protocols. It also urges ICAO to develop global standards for screening requirements such as explosive trace detection and the use of canines.
“The use of cargo screening technology should be to detect and deter acts of unlawful interference to cargo and mail to be loaded on an aircraft and to improve air cargo security,” said Carolina Ramirez, head, secure freight, IATA, and chair of GACAG’s security task force. “We recognize the need for a multi-layered approach to air cargo security. We advocate a risk assessment approach, including advance electronic information risk assessment based on intelligence to better identify the appropriate screening methodology to be used.”
Screening technology needs to be effective, fast, automated and capable of screening different types, sizes and volumes of cargo, GACAG said. Future equipment design should also take into account the air cargo supply chain process and constraints.
“GACAG encourages cargo screening technology manufacturers to continue to innovate and provide solutions for technical screening, including screening of Unit Load Devices containing different types of cargo,” Ramirez said. “We believe global standards will encourage manufacturers to make the necessary investment in new technologies.”
GACAG said full-flight simulation systems and cooling periods, such as holding cargo for 24 to 48 hours, are not by themselves acceptable screening methods for cargo unless supported by other technologies, including X-ray, explosive trace detection and air sampling.
In the position paper, GACAG said it supports the use of variable screening methodologies beyond baseline security measures for high-risk cargo. It also underlines the importance of training.
“We need standardized training on how to determine the most appropriate screening methodology to be applied for specific consignment types,” Ramirez said. “Authorized operational staff must be properly trained and regularly tested on the correct and effective use of screening technologies, and there must be a hierarchical structure of management support.”