Securing Air Cargo to Meet Regulations

From securing containers to maintaining ground safety for personnel and equipment, air cargo security demands a comprehensive approach

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As the new year begins, the air cargo industry reflects on heightened risks of the busy holiday season while facing the challenges ahead. The surge in movement during the holidays exposed goods to the vulnerabilities of theft and tampering, and reports from insurance companies and analysts like Verisk indicated that cargo theft is on the rise. To navigate these risks, the industry relies on a robust framework of protocols that include detailed cargo classifications, strict federal regulations, and thorough compliance training. From securing containers to maintaining ground safety for personnel and equipment, air cargo security demands a comprehensive approach. Security seals play a critical role in safeguarding goods and ensuring operational integrity in 2025.

Threats to Air Cargo Security

Cargo operators face severe reputational and financial risks if implicated in activities such as trafficking or smuggling. While modern screening systems are adept at detecting weapons and explosives, they are less effective at identifying wildlife, for instance. Targeted training for screeners to recognize wildlife in cargo could significantly mitigate this particular risk. Additional threats include:

  • Counterfeit Goods: Air cargo is frequently targeted for the transportation of counterfeit products, including electronics, pharmaceuticals and luxury items. These can pose significant economic and safety risks.
  • Cybersecurity Breaches: With increasing digitalization, air cargo systems are vulnerable to cyberattacks that could disrupt operations, steal sensitive information, or compromise cargo tracking systems.
  • Human Trafficking: Unscrupulous actors may exploit air cargo networks to transport individuals illegally, posing serious humanitarian and legal concerns.
  • Hazardous Materials: Undeclared or improperly labeled hazardous materials can lead to catastrophic incidents during transit, endangering lives and property.
  • Insider Threats: Employees with malicious intent or those susceptible to coercion may exploit their positions to compromise cargo security, facilitating theft, smuggling or sabotage.

Adapting to Changing Environments for Safety

In September 2024, the United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Transport Canada implemented emergency measures for air cargo originating from Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and destined for or transiting through the United States. These measures followed alarming reports of two incendiary packages igniting within European parcel networks, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced global supply chain security protocols.

Compliance with federal security measures is critical, as non-adherence can lead to significant delays and financial penalties. For instance, the Consignment Security Declaration (CSD) is now more crucial than ever. The CSD provides an audit trail documenting how, when, and by whom specific cargo shipments were secured, ensuring transparency and compliance with security regulations.

To stay ahead of regulatory changes, supply chain executives and procurement teams must:

  • Check Federal Updates: Regularly monitor TSA and Transport Canada websites for policy changes.
  • Join Industry Newsletters: Subscribe to security-focused newsletters from associations like the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Cargo Network Services (CNS).
  • Leverage Industry Resources: Utilize online tools and databases like the World Cargo Security Forum to stay informed about global supply chain risks and compliance standards.

The evolving air cargo security landscape demands vigilance and proactive measures to maintain compliance, safeguard operations, and ensure uninterrupted global trade flows.

Security Seals and a Layered Approach to Air Cargo Security

Tamper-evident security seals and tamper-evident labels play a pivotal role in air cargo security, providing clear indications of tampering and ensuring traceability in the audit trail, tracking when goods arrive at their destinations intact and identifying a weak link. A layered approach that combines high-quality security seals with a culture of enhanced security measures creates effective barriers to theft and damage.

Security seals must meet rigorous standards of integrity, reliability and quality. Security seals help to ensure both the physical security of cargo and transparency within the supply chain. Unique identifiers on seals enable tracking and help pinpoint weak links in the logistics network.

Innovative Security Seals: A Step Towards Airline Sustainability

As the aviation industry strives for sustainability, security seals are evolving to align with environmental goals. Traditional seals, typically made from single-use plastics, ensure cargo integrity but contribute to plastic waste. Airlines are now turning to innovative products made from recycled materials to reduce their ecological footprint. Standard eco-friendly security seals solutions for airlines can include adjustable, fixed length or padlock security seals.

Security seals made from recycled materials offer multiple advantages:

  • Environmental Impact: They reduce the use of virgin plastic and promote a circular economy by repurposing materials that might otherwise end up in landfills.
  • Maintain Standards: These seals provide the same level of security and integrity as traditional ones, ensuring safety is not compromised.
  • Sustainability Goals: By adopting these eco-friendly options, airlines demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship, appealing to eco-conscious travelers and stakeholders.

Adopting innovative security seals is a tangible step airlines can take toward reducing their plastic footprint and achieving the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) goal of decarbonizing aviation by 2050. These measures not only enhance security but also position airlines as leaders in sustainability.

A More Sustainable Air Cargo Experience

Transitioning to sustainable security practices is essential for the future of air cargo. By embracing security seals made from recycled plastics, airlines can maintain the highest security standards while actively contributing to environmental preservation. Such steps resonate with stakeholders, showcasing a commitment to both safety and sustainability.

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