Air cargo security is the set of controls that makes sure a consignment contains no prohibited items before it is loaded onto an aircraft. In the EU, all cargo and mail must be physically screened or come from a secure supply chain before loading, according to the European Commission. In practice, a freight forwarder or handling agent approved as a “regulated agent” secures the shipment, unless it comes from a “known consignor”.
Which rules apply?
Two EU texts set the framework: Regulation (EC) No 300/2008, which lays down common rules and basic standards for aviation security, and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998, which sets out the detailed measures (European Commission, aviation security). Each Member State’s aviation security authority approves the operators. In France, approvals are issued on behalf of the transport minister and managed by the DSAC, the civil aviation security directorate (French ministry list of approved companies).
Who is who in the secure supply chain
| Status | Who? | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Regulated agent | Freight forwarder, handling agent, air carrier, logistics provider | Screens cargo or receives cargo already secured, then protects it until handover |
| Known consignor | Exporter sending cargo on its own account | Secures its own consignments on its premises; they are not screened at the airport |
| Approved haulier | Road carrier | Moves secured cargo by road without breaking the chain |
| ACC3 | Airline | Carries cargo into the EU from an airport outside the EU |
All actors in the secure supply chain must be approved by the aviation security authority of an EU Member State (European Commission).
Regulated agent
The Commission states that physical screening may only be carried out by a regulated agent. A logistics provider working for an exporter can also be approved as a regulated agent without screening anything by X-ray or dogs: it protects consignments prepared for the exporter under specific conditions, such as multimodal stock that is not identifiable as air cargo during storage, according to the French civil aviation authority (DGAC).
Known consignor
EU rules define a known consignor as a shipper that sends cargo on its own account and whose procedures meet security rules closely enough for that cargo to be carried on any aircraft. Its consignments are exempt from screening at the airport. A logistics provider cannot hold this status because it does not originate the consignments (DGAC).
Approved haulier
An approved haulier carries secured air cargo and mail by road. In France, the DGAC states that this approval becomes mandatory on 1 January 2027: after that date, secured cargo can no longer be carried without it. The DSAC office covering the company’s head office or main operating site issues it after a security programme and a certification audit by an EU aviation security validator (official approved-haulier guidance).
ACC3
Airlines carrying cargo into the EU from a non-EU airport must be designated ACC3 (Air Cargo or Mail Carrier operating into the Union from a Third Country Airport). Since 1 February 2012, these carriers have had to ensure security standards are met before loading (European Commission).
How screening works
Screening checks that a consignment is fit for air transport, using equipment authorised by EU rules. The DGAC lists the most common airport methods:
- X-ray equipment;
- dog teams, a handler with a trained detection dog.
These means must give reasonable assurance that nothing prohibited is concealed. Some goods are hard to screen: cargo that is opaque to X-rays then goes to a dog check, and dog checks are less effective on hermetically sealed containers (DGAC). Size, packaging and the nature of the goods therefore matter. Ask the regulated agent to confirm the method before you finalise packaging and the schedule.
Why become a known consignor?
The DGAC gives four reasons:
- Effectiveness: for goods that airport screening handles poorly (X-ray-opaque cargo, sealed containers).
- Time: consignments are not screened at the airport, which avoids double checks and double handling.
- Cost: security fees are lower when cargo arrives already secured.
- Security: the cargo is never left without human supervision.
In return, the company must protect the area where air cargo becomes identifiable, control access, use tamper-evident packaging, train and vet the staff involved, and run a security management system. It writes a security programme, has its site audited by an EU validator certified by the DGAC, and the DSAC then issues the approval for five years, maintained through an annual validator visit (DGAC).
Protecting the chain after security controls
Once secured, a consignment must be protected against unauthorised interference until loading. The DGAC explains that whoever organises the pre-carriage, exporter or forwarder, must register the road carrier, check the driver’s identity and check the truck’s integrity through a seal or lock.
Keep instructions, shipment documents and exchanges with your providers together in the shipment file, so everyone works from the same information. For who does what among service providers, see freight forwarder, transport organizer and customs broker.
Frequently asked questions
What is air cargo security?
It is the set of measures that makes sure a consignment contains no prohibited items before it goes on an aircraft. In the EU, cargo must be physically screened or come from a secure supply chain.
What is the difference between a regulated agent and a known consignor?
A regulated agent, usually a forwarder or handling agent, secures other companies’ cargo, notably by screening it. A known consignor is the shipper itself: it secures its own consignments on its premises, and they skip airport screening.
Which screening methods are used?
According to the DGAC, the most common at airports are X-ray equipment and dog teams. The choice depends on the goods: cargo that is opaque to X-rays goes to a dog check.
Is the approved haulier status mandatory?
In France, yes, from 1 January 2027 for carrying secured cargo destined for air transport, according to the DGAC. Companies can already apply.
How long is a known consignor approval valid?
Five years in France, according to the DGAC. Keeping it requires an annual visit by an EU aviation security validator.
What is ACC3?
It is the designation required for airlines carrying cargo into the European Union from an airport outside the EU.