2014-11-04 Cargo Checks Up To Clients blacklocks.ca/cargo-checks-up-to-clients/ By Kaven Baker-Voakes New regulations for air cargo screening are raising concerns proposed rules would mean less federal oversight of shipments. The regulations are intended to saves shippers’ fees. “It looks like Transport Canada is delegating the power and authority for inspections to industry itself,” said David Wilson, United Steelworkers spokesperson. The union counts cargo inspectors among its members. Proposed amendments to the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations would allow an estimated 1,000 to 1,500 certified shippers to screen their own cargo and bypass air carriers’ screening systems. The proposal comes in advance of 2015 changes allowing security screening when “convenient” for air cargo. “The proposed amendments would provide all businesses including small businesses, with the opportunity to screen their own cargo, reducing the need for air carrier or regulated agent screening, which would reduce screening charges and shipment delays,” Transport Canada wrote in a regulatory notice. Transport Minister Lisa Raitt was unavailable for comment. Raitt’s department estimated the self-screening would save shippers the equivalent of $20 million a year. The department stressed the changes would not lessen security requirements for air cargo. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, a Crown agency, currently oversees on-site airport screening. Authorities said that “Canada’s unique geography and industry profile” prompted the proposal. “Every facet of the supply chain would have to be secured,” said the Steelworkers’ Wilson. “It would be extremely difficult to have any kind of oversight; in essence industry would be policing itself as to effectiveness.” An initial consultation on the proposed changes also drew concerns from the Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association that called on Transport Canada to regulate third-party inspectors. The department updated the regulations to adding the requirement for certification. Air Cargo shipments are estimated to be worth $100 billion annually.
Posted on: Tue, 04 Nov 2014 17:31:44 +0000
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