CBP, TSA initiate advanced cargo screening effort

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced this week the initiation of an effort designed to require the submission of advanced air cargo information on shipments arriving in the United States from a foreign location.

Although the Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) program was previously a voluntary process in which many airlines already participated globally, the program requirements are now mandatory for airlines flying to the United States.

Officials said the endeavor involves participating carriers submitting a subset of required pre-arrival air cargo data to CBP at the earliest point practicable and before loading the cargo onto aircraft destined to or transiting through the United States.

ACAS leverages DHS threat information and other data to employ a risk-based approach to improve air cargo security through targeted vetting, officials said. At the National Targeting Center, CBP and TSA jointly focus on and mitigate any cargo identified as high-risk before it is loaded aboard aircraft destined to the United States.

The collaboration stems from an October 2010 scenario in which the global counterterrorism community disrupted a potential terrorist attack when concealed explosive devices were discovered in cargo onboard aircraft destined for the United States.

CBP and TSA officials said the incident demonstrated the importance of advance information in identifying and disrupting the attempts of terrorists to exploit the global supply chain.

The agencies collaborated with express consignment carriers and launched the ACAS pilot in December 2010 while expanding to include participation by stakeholders in the air cargo community.

“The ACAS program is vital for CBP to prevent illicit contraband from entering while expediting lawful commerce,” CBP Commissioner Kevin McAleenan said. “The formalization of ACAS will enhance and support the security of the small parcel and air cargo industry for years to come.”