The World Customs Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have released a revised brochure titled “Moving Air Cargo Globally – Air Cargo and Mail Secure Supply Chain and Facilitation”. The brochure aims to assist air transport regulators and operators in mitigating security threats associated with air cargo activities.
The air cargo and mail operating environment is highly complex, involving numerous entities. This can lead to challenges in implementing security measures and countering threats. The third edition of the brochure provides advice on the roles and responsibilities of these various entities, emphasising effective collaboration within the regulatory framework to ensure the security of air cargo and mail.
The publication of this third edition of the ICAO-WCO brochure is crucial to provide updated information on security and facilitation measures implemented by the WCO, ICAO and other stakeholders. Moving Air Cargo Globally will help to support the implementation of robust and harmonised standards worldwide, while fostering the improved air transport connectivity which will be critical to the future sustainability of societies and economies everywhere, it was emphasised.
Past attacks on civil aviation involving concealed improvised explosive or incendiary devices in cargo consignments underscore the importance of remaining vigilant and implementing measures to secure air cargo and mail. These vulnerabilities could potentially provide terrorists and criminals with a route of attack, necessitating sustainable measures implemented by all stakeholders.
The brochure also emphasises the increasing importance of the digitalisation of cargo processes to better align them with modern multimodal supply chains. Digitalisation aims to make cargo operations more agile, responsive and secure in the face of new opportunities and threats. The focus is on measures related to high-risk cargo and screening, including preventive security measures targeting staff members to mitigate threats posed by insiders.
Drawing on input from wide-ranging stakeholders, including regulators and industry representatives, the publication acknowledges the critical role that international supply chains play as catalysts for sustainable development at the national, regional and global levels. It underscores the need to avoid security-related disruptions to these activities, the communique added.