TIACA supports “phased approach” for advance data regulations
The International Air Cargo Association has issued a position paper which argues that “regulators must continue to work closely with all members of the air cargo supply chain to ensure impending Advance Data regulations enhance security without impeding cargo flows”. TIACA said that the so-called “7+1” data set currently used in the pilot phase is sufficient for civil aviation risk assessment and can be provided early in the supply chain.
However, TIACA added: “Regulators must enable all relevant parties including carriers and others, such as Regulated Agents or Postal Operators in the supply chain, to submit data in order to encourage industry to provide it as early as possible.”
The “7+1” data set, which is currently in use following the uncovering of explosive devices in Yemeni shipments in 2010, includes the following elements: (7) the number of pieces, total weight, general cargo description, shipper name, shipper address, consignee name and consignee address (all as described on the house air waybill); plus (1) the house air waybill number.
The TIACA position paper is calling for “a portal or other easily accessible system for small and medium forwarders to use when submitting data, to avoid the complications and IT costs to connect with existing automation systems.”
TIACA is urging regulators to avoid imposing penalties for 7+1 data submission errors.
“Pre-loading advance cargo information (PLACI) regulations must take into account the fact that industry is providing data to the best of its knowledge, at an early stage of the supply chain, in order to promote the shared objective of enhancing security,” said TIACA’s Secretary General, Doug Brittin.
TIACA also argued that Advance Data systems should be flexible enough to adapt to diverse supply chain business models including express, general cargo, and post.
“This will ensure that all supply chain models are able to provide the necessary data, and that the data can be analysed and security enhanced, while commercial flows are unimpeded,” said Brittin.
