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ACS Program Elements

Air Cargo Security (ACS) Program Regulatory Framework

Since 2006, Transport Canada has been developing a legislative framework to improve air cargo security. This has been done in consultation with stakeholders who handle or transport air cargo. These consultations, along with pilot projects and on-site assessments, have helped Transport Canada develop:

  • policies to form the basis of new regulations; and
  • an interactive database to enable entities to register with or apply to the ACS Program and validate air cargo handling organizations associated with the ACS Program.

In 2010 and 2011, Transport Canada introduced changes to the regulatory framework for air cargo security in Canada that outline new requirements for Approved Participants and air carriers operating in Canada. These measures address security gaps and bring Canada in-line with its key trading partners. The measures apply to domestic, transborder, and international passenger flights transporting screened passengers from Canada’s designated airports. They:

  • require air carriers to secure all air cargo before loading onto the aircraft to the same level of security as that for passenger baggage;
  • recognize technological and other screening processes as acceptable ways to screen air cargo;
  • detail performance standards for screening equipment, cargo screeners and their training, and supply chain system operations;
  • formalize supply chain security requirements for those handling air cargo from the time cargo is accepted until it is loaded into aircraft; and
  • provide for adding specific measures for all-cargo flights.

Transport Canada conducts extensive on-line and face-to-face consultations before introducing regulations that enhance air cargo security.

Regulations on additional air cargo security requirements, including requirements with respect to air cargo in general and shippers specifically will be developed for consideration in the next phases of this project.

*Please note that these measures are security-sensitive under the Aeronautics Act. This means that the actual measures are not public documents and are given, on a need-to-know basis, to stakeholders responsible for using them.

Oversight, Training and Compliance

This element focuses on inspection and enforcement, audit, training, outreach and other activities to promote and enforce compliance, including security operations systems and support, and general policy development, coordination and guidance.

Activities include:

  • ongoing oversight of the air cargo security operations of participating entities;
  • design and delivery of training and quality assurance programs to support government monitoring and enforcement, and industry compliance; and
  • design and maintenance of the Secure Supply Chain Information Management System database, providing immediate up-to-date information on ACS Program Approved Participants.

    What is the Secure Supply Chain Information Management System?

    SSCIMS – Application
    During the application stage, an applicant will use the SSCIMS database to provide Transport Canada with their company’s business and security-related information for the purposes of their application to become an ACS Program Approved Participant. This includes:

    • agent information; and
    • air cargo security templates.

    SSCIMS - Participation
    Once an applicant becomes ACS Program Approved Participant, the system enables the Approved Participant to validate other air cargo handling organizations associated with the ACS Program.

Screening Technologies and Processes

Transport Canada continues to identify requirements for air cargo screening. This includes the creation of a range of screening models for industry, such as non‑intrusive screening solutions that could be damaged by physical inspection (e.g. x‑ray, explosives trace detection and canine units for mail and other special cargo).

Key to identifying requirements for air cargo screening are Transport Canada’s evaluation and test development of screening/detection techniques. Transport Canada will continue to share and work with other countries on joint threat detection research, development, testing & evaluation (RDT&E) efforts.

Activities include:

  • research, testing and evaluation of existing, new and emerging screening technologies and processes;
  • qualification of equipment, consistent with international standards; and
  • development of performance standards for air cargo screening that are equivalent to the standard for checked baggage on passenger flights.

*Please note that these requirements are security-sensitive under the Aeronautics Act. This means that the actual measures are not public documents and are given, on a need-to-know basis, to stakeholders responsible for using them.

Strategic Partnerships

This element focuses on the promotion and pursuit of international cooperation, collaboration, sharing of best practices, and the negotiation of mutual recognition arrangements between key trading partners in order to achieve the best possible Air Cargo Security Program and supporting regulatory framework. Activities include:

Date modified:
2012-01-25