TIACA will actively support measures that are proven to improve airport
and air cargo security. New initiatives, however, must be effective,
workable, and affordable and create a minimum of disruption to the
flow of air cargo, that essentially relies on speed.
If we allow changes
in security procedures that fail to meet the criteria set out above,
we risk creating an environment where transport and, therefore, trade
is disrupted. This will stifle commercial innovation, discourage investment
and lead to unemployment and economic downturn. That is what terrorist
groups want to happen. We must work together to ensure they never
fulfil their objective.
TIACA's Policy
on Security aims to stimulate sensible debate and action on this vital
issue and sets out a way forward that can further improve aviation
security and safeguard the future of air cargo at the heart of world
trade.
Policy
1. Security is
a global requirement, which must be threat-based and operationally
consistent to be effective.
2. Security in
international trade transactions should be based on end-to-end
multi-modal supply chain systems rather than on sporadic, isolated
single
modal activities. One size or process does not fit all modes.
3. Security agencies
should understand and make the best use of the resources and expertise
which global trade and transport operators have developed and are
constantly enhancing to meet their own exacting commercial and security
requirements.
Security needs
to combine maximum efficiency with minimum cost and disruption to
the flow of goods. Authorities have an obligation to consult with
the industry prior to the introduction of new measures.
4. Responses to
threats should be managed as far as possible to sustain
high levels of consistent vigilance and to avoid sudden calls for
extreme
caution without helpful guidance as to the form of the threat that
may be
expected.
Restrictions and
controls should be reasonably and visibly related to the threats they
are intended to counter.
5. While sudden,
unexpected developments could justify urgent unilateral action, broad
security strategy and related legislation should be based on systematic
consultation with responsible business interests. National legislation,
which could have significant extra-territorial effects, for example
import controls applied at or before export, should provide for consultation,
which will include representatives of the wider trade community.
6. Consistently
high standards of physical and data security, reflected in compliance
records and regular audit results, should secure simplified processing
for formally authorised traders, carriers and intermediaries. The
aim should be to bring market forces behind control systems.
7. The use of
criteria for shippers' rules and commitment that provide a high degree
of security for certain categories of cargo are essential as a means
of lowering shipper security costs and avoiding airport congestion.
8. New technology
is the key to developing ever-increasing standards of air cargo security.
A group consisting of Government regulators and airport and industry
representatives should be established to evaluate and recommend new
technology solutions.
9. TIACA is calling
for the creation of a global regulation review process to
coordinate and harmonise security controls on a global basis to avoid
the multiplicity of regulations the industry is currently faced with.
The air cargo
industry is prepared to give the development of sound security measures
the highest priority as a means of guaranteeing the future growth
and development of the industry through a safe and secure working
environment.
