The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced changes to the Certified Cargo Screening Program that will enable more shippers to enter the secure supply chain while improving the speed and security of shipments.

With the Certified Cargo Screening program expansion, stakeholders of the supply chain could now get Certified Cargo Screening Facility (CCSF) status through training.

TSA said it has historically recognized Shipper-CCSFs and approved shipper-CCSFs when requested but has never fully integrated these operations into the CCSSSP (Certified Cargo Screening Standard Security Program).

"The Certified Cargo Screening Program ensures that air cargo moves more quickly and securely through the supply chain," said John Beckius, executive director for air cargo at the TSA.

"With this expansion, TSA will partner with interested participants in the cargo supply chain to carry out a TSA-approved security program and adhere to rigorous chain-of-custody requirements."

"This will enable certified program participants to package and ship secure air cargo while reducing the need for additional screening requirements later in the supply chain," he added.

On June 30, 2021, TSA mandated that all air cargo originating in the United States and destined for non-U.S. locations be screened or secured before being loaded onto an aircraft to meet international standards and to address potential threats to aviation.

"TSA is actively encouraging indirect air carriers, manufacturing facilities, assembly facilities, shippers, warehouses and distribution centres to apply for and become a Certified Cargo Screening Facility," the TSA announcement said.

It noted that becoming a Certified Cargo Screening Facility means they will be certified by TSA to assemble, pack, secure and tender cargo for air transport in a secured manner, where no additional screening will be required.