TSA grows uncertain of Dec 31 deadline for 100pc bellyhold screening

AMERICA's Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is unsure about enforcing the scheduled December 31 deadline for 100 per cent US inbound bellyhold air cargo screening in the face of widespread industry lobbying, according to London's International Freighting Weekly.


A TSA spokesman told IFW that it was reviewing industry input "before determining whether to move forward with this date", which is two years earlier than first announced.


Again, the topic was discussed at The International Air Cargo Association's (TIACA) recent executive summit and annual general meeting.


Delta Air Lines cargo chief Neel Shah, also a TIACA director, said that unless the TSA and the US government focussed more resources on reviewing the process and timeline by which foreign security programmes could be validated, "significant disruptions to the global supply chain" would result if the deadline were enforced.


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


TIACA chairman Michael Steen said his association would "seek a longer deadline and an improved approach on foreign programme review".
(Source:http://www.schednet.com)