On 2nd December by the US Congressional Research Service (CRS) published a report relating to air cargo screening. CRS is a US taxpayer funded "think tank" that provides reports to members of Congress on a variety of topics relevant to current political events

The report addresses a number of policy issues which its author believes will arise due to renewed congressional interest on air cargo security and describes risk based evaluations of shipments, including known shipper programs as key components. Screening technologies are discussed as are supply chain security measures (tamper-evident and resistant packaging, tracking and cargo identifiers) and in-flight security measures (hardened cockpit doors, arming pilots and blast-resistant containers). The report believes that the cost of screening cargo on all-cargo flights in the US could conceivably total several billion dollars annually.

The report discusses the “imposition of TSA regulations (relating to screening requirements at foreign airports) on foreign carriers….., stipulating minimum air cargo security standards and requirements, including 100% screening using certain approved methods.” It states, however, that “ enforcement overseas would be up to authorities in other countries. If they do not concur with the U.S. approach, disagreement over security standards, could complicate U.S. foreign relations, and could potentially impact foreign trade”. On a more positive note the report states “More broadly, it (TSA) is working closely with ICAO to draft worldwide standards for all-cargo security”, but continues “which will probably entail a lengthy period of implementation”

A full copy of the report is attached to the newsletter e-mail. It can be viewed at http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/homesec/R41515.pdf

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