R.G. Edmonson | Sep 15, 2009 3:58PM EDT
A pilot program for screening all air freight that moves in the holds of passenger aircraft will become a permanent part of supply chain security, the Transportation Security Administration announced Tuesday.
The Certified Cargo Screening Program has been in test mode since February, but it will become mandatory 60 days after the interim final rule is published in the Federal Register, TSA said. It was published Sept. 16: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-21794.htm.
Under CCSP, the federal agency certifies aircraft operators to screen cargo at remote locations and deliver it securely to the airport.
In 2007, Congress ordered TSA to screen 50 percent of all cargo by February 2009 and reach the 100 percent level by August 2010.
TSA credited the CCSP pilot with helping carriers meet the 50 percent level.
Contact R.G. Edmonson at bedmonson@joc.com.