Frequently Asked Questions

• Overview
• Registration
• Secure Supply Chain
• Training
• Compliance

Overview

1. Why does Canada need an Air Cargo Security (ACS) Program?

   Intelligence experts in Canada and abroad agree that civil aviation remains a favoured target of terrorist attacks globally:

   • airports, aircraft and passengers offer the kind of high-profile targets that terrorists seek; and
   • damage to a nation’s civil aviation sector can cripple a nation’s economy and sense of security.

   We know Canada is on active terrorist target lists and must protect the security of aircraft traveling to and from Canadian airports.

   Canada’s key vulnerabilities have been well documented, and terrorists worldwide have proven able to take advantage of such vulnerabilities.

2. What is the Air Cargo Security (ACS) Program?

   The ACS Program is one of many Aviation Security activities (e.g. baggage screening, non-passenger screening, and airport access control) being put in place to mitigate risks to civil aviation.

   Transport Canada is working with the air cargo industry to:

   • develop an ACS Program that meets the highest standards;
   • reduce risks to the safety and security of the travelling public; and
   • keep goods moving in and out of Canada efficiently.
      
3. Who is affected by the Air Cargo Security Program?

   Air carriers, freight forwarders, screening facilities, cargo handling agents, agents, warehouses, trucking companies, packing companies and shippers.

4. Has Transport Canada consulted with the transportation industry?
   

   Yes. Transport Canada consults regularly with Canadian stakeholders through the Advisory Group on Aviation Security (AGAS).

   As well, the Ad Hoc ACS Technical committee:

   • shares information and consults with industry;
   • answers industry questions and
   • provides industry with opportunities to discuss how proposed pilot projects affect their current operations and ways to improve.

   In addition, the industry-led National Air Cargo Security Training and Awareness Committee (NACSTAC):

   • facilitates a system-wide approach to the integration of cargo security training and awareness activities in Canada;
   • recommends current and future best practices for cargo security training and awareness activities; and
   • promotes national and international government and non-government partnerships with other cargo security-related organizations.

   Since 2006, Transport Canada has consulted stakeholders who handle or transport air cargo as it developed a framework to improve air cargo security.

   These consultations, along with pilot projects and on-site assessments, have helped Transport Canada develop:

   • policies to form the basis of the regulatory framework; and
   • an interactive database to enable cargo operators to become Approved Participants in the ACS Program and to register and validate air cargo handling organizations.
      
5. Are other countries operating similar programs?
   

   Yes. Canada’s key trading partners are strengthening their air cargo security measures, for both domestic and international shipments.

Registration

1. Is participation in the ACS Program mandatory?
   

   For air carriers, participation is mandatory.

   For air cargo operators, participation is voluntary. Industry stakeholders will decide to join based on their own business models and requirements.

2. What are the costs associated with being an ACS Program Approved Participant?
   

   Once the ACS Program is fully implemented, all air cargo will be screened and deemed secure at the point of origin or point of acceptance. All cargo operators will have the option to have screening done by others if it fits with their business model (screening fees vs in-house screening – dependent on volumes & associated fees).

3. How do I apply to the Air Cargo Security (ACS) Program
   

   Air Carriers 
   Air carriers operating at designated Canadian airports must register with the ACS Program.

   Approved Participants
   Any entity that intends to accept cargo for transportation, screen in accordance with prescribed methods and tender it as secure may apply to become an ACS Program Approved Participant. This could include freight forwarders, screening facilities, cargo handling agents, agents, warehouses, trucking companies, packing companies or shippers.

   Shippers
   A shipper not intending to screen their cargo in accordance with air cargo security measures prior to transportation, but present it directly to Approved Participants or air carriers may apply to become a Registered Shipper in the ACS Program.

   Air Carriers

   How to register with the ACS Program 
   You can complete an online application here or contact the ACS Support Centre toll free at 1-866-375-7342 or by e-mail at aircargo-fretaerien@tc.gc.ca and ask us to send you the registration form. Complete and return the form for processing to Transport Canada by e-mail, fax, or regular mail.

   Approved Participants

   Who can become an ACS Program Approved Participant?
   Any entity that intends to accept cargo for transportation and tender it as secure may apply to become an Approved Participant in the Air Cargo Security program. This could include freight forwarders, screening facilities, cargo handling agents, agents, warehouses, trucking companies, packing companies or shippers.

   How do I become an Approved Participant?
   You can complete an online application here or contact  the ACS Support Centre toll free at 1-866-375-7342 or by e-mail at aircargo-fretaerien@tc.gc.ca and ask us to send you an application form. Complete and return the form for processing to the Support Centre by e-mail, fax, or regular mail. If your organization is eligible for the ACS Program, you will receive a Secure Channel Application form, as well as a General Terms and Conditions document for signature.

   • The Secure Channel is a secure environment through which the ACS Program is able to share information with its applicants and various participants.
   • The General Terms and Conditions document, together with confidential security measures, set out the terms and conditions for admission to and participation in the ACS Program as an Approved Participant.
   • Once the Secure Channel account has been initiated, you must provide Transport Canada with cargo security documents describing your site(s).
   • A complete review of your on-site security practices will be conducted.
   • Once your on-site security practices have been deemed acceptable, you will then become an Approved Participant.

   Shippers

   How to become a Registered Shipper in the ACS Program

   Who can become a Registered Shipper?
   A shipper is a recognized Canadian business that originates air cargo. Any shipper not intending to screen their cargo in accordance with air cargo security measures prior to transportation, but present it directly to Approved Participants or air carriers may apply to become a Registered Shipper in the ACS Program.

   How do I become a Registered Shipper?
   You can complete an online application here or contact the ACS Support Centre toll free at 1-866-375-7342 or by e-mail at aircargo-fretaerien@tc.gc.ca and ask us to send you an application form. Complete and return the form for processing to the Support Centre by e-mail, fax, or regular mail. If your organization is eligible, you will become a Registered Shipper and other participants in the ACS Program will be able to validate cargo received from you for transportation by air.

4. What is screening?
   

   Screening air cargo involves looking for prohibited items by a person or organization, as required by the Security Measures Respecting Air Cargo.

   Transport Canada conducts the following activities with respect to establishing the confidential screening requirements for industry:

   • 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

Secure Supply Chain

1. What is supply chain security?
   

   For air cargo, a supply chain is a network of businesses/organizations that have a role in the acceptance, handling and transportation of cargo departing Canadian airports (e.g. freight forwarders, screening facilities, cargo handling agents, agents, warehouses, trucking companies, packing companies or shippers).

   Supply chain security is enhanced by various entities within the supply chain implementing security requirements surrounding the acceptance, handling and transportation of cargo.

Training

1. Who will need to be trained?

   Anyone who accepts, handles and transports air cargo, such as the air cargo representative or cargo screener of an ACS Program Approved Participant or air carrier, must be trained to perform his/her duties.

   Transport Canada provides confidential training standards for use by ACS Program Approved Participants.

2. Does Transport Canada provide security training?
   

   Transport Canada does not provide security training. However, Transport Canada has developed confidential training standards for use by ACS Program Approved Participants.

3. Does Transport Canada accredit industry trainers? If no, how are trainers qualified?
   

   Transport Canada does not at this time accredit industry trainers. However, it is possible to use an outside trainer/organization. It is the responsibility of Approved Participants to ensure that their personnel are trained.

Compliance

1. Who needs to be compliant?
   

   Any business/organization that has a role in the acceptance, handling and transportation of secure cargo departing Canadian airports (e.g. freight forwarders, screening facilities, cargo handling agents, agents, warehouses, trucking companies, packing companies or shippers).

   ACS Program Approved Participants must agree to and comply with General Terms and Conditions set by the Minister of Transport Canada.

2. Does Transport Canada conduct inspections?
   

   Yes. After Transport Canada reviews all of the required ACS Program forms and documents, one of our Transportation Security Inspectors will inspect your site/operation.

3. How will Transport Canada know if a firm does not comply with the ACS program requirements?
   

   Transport Canada will conduct scheduled and random follow-up audit and inspections of ACS Program Approved Participants to ensure they meet the ACS Program requirements.

4. Will there be penalties for not complying with the Program?

   Yes. Penalties can range from warnings, Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs), to temporary or permanent removal from the ACS Program.