India relaxes re-screening rule for transit cargo

India has permitted the transfer of cargo without the need for re-screening at transfer airports. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, has revised its security guidelines to ease cargo movement at transfer airports. The revised guidelines will streamline cargo movement, reduce ground delays and lower operational expenses for freight operators, making Indian hubs more attractive and globally competitive. Acting on persistent appeals from trade bodies, including the Air Cargo Forum India, BCAS has revised its screening mandate for transit cargo. Under the updated directive, transfer and transit shipments can now bypass re-screening procedures—subject to specific safeguards. Key among these is the establishment of a dedicated Transfer Cargo Security Hold Area (TCSHA), where such cargo will be secured against unauthorised access. To ensure integrity, security personnel will escort all approved cargo to and from the aircraft, as per a report.