TIACA sees major trouble if US insists on 100pc screening deadline

THE International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) is warning of "significant global supply chain disruption" if the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) enforces 100 per cent screening of inbound cargo from December 31 as planned.


Speaking at the association's executive summit in Bangkok, the newly-elected chairman of TIACA's security sub-committee, Neel Shah, who is also the senior vice president and COO for Delta Air Lines, voiced his concern over the lack of progress in certifying foreign country air cargo security programmes.


"Unless TSA and, more broadly speaking, the entire US government focuses the necessary resources on reviewing the process and timeline by which foreign security programmes are validated and placed into the TSA's national cargo security programme (NCSP), we will face some significant disruptions to the global supply chain," he said.


"It's critical that we get more foreign programmes under review and certified into the NCSP in the next few months, especially, if TSA is considering an accelerated deadline for 100 per cent inbound screening," said Mr Shah.


Doug Brittin, the TSA's general manager of air cargo, had earlier told TIACA delegates that the TSA is still considering whether to establish December 31, 2011 as the new deadline, two years earlier than originally planned. However, he said that industry input had clarified for TSA that many challenges exist for meeting that timeframe.


Said TIACA chairman Michael Steen: "We've received strong feedback from our members, not just in Asia but globally, that the potential December 31, 2011 deadline and the slow progress on foreign programme certification are critical issues. We will raise these issues with key policymakers over the next few months. We will seek a longer deadline, and an improved approach on foreign programme review. These will be our top priorities."


In a separate development, the association has officially inducted Camille Allaz, former executive vice president of cargo for Air France, into its hall of fame. He was chosen for his innovative leadership in the air cargo industry and his contribution in creating one of the best historical guides to the growth of the air freight industry, a TIACA statement said.
(Source:http://www.schednet.com)