Mandatory Screening of Cargo on Passenger Flights

Effective August 1, 2010, 100 percent of cargo flown on passenger aircraft (PAX) originating in the United States must be screened, per an act passed by Congress and signed into law by former President Bush.  Beginning August 1, all PAX cargoes must now be screened at the piece level - which is the individual item within a shipment - before it can be loaded on an aircraft in the United States.

This requirement stems from the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (the “9/11 Act”), which mandates that countermeasures be taken to defend against threats that are posed to the public, transportation systems, and critical infrastructure.  The PAX mandate is intended to close a large gap in the nation’s aviation security, which threatens the safety of travelers and the transportation system.  Earlier milestones in meeting this mandate are discussed below.

TSA responded to the Congressional mandate by creating the Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP). CCSP is a voluntary program which allows for industry to participate in the achievement of 100% cargo screening without impeding the flow of commerce.  It facilitates screening of PAX cargo at a level of security commensurate to that of passenger baggage.  While air carriers are ultimately responsible for ensuring that all cargo on their passenger aircraft has been screened, CCSP provides industry the flexibility to screen their own cargoes prior to delivery to the air carrier, to speed cargo acceptance by the carrier and to avoid system delays.

Key Milestones

For more information, visit www.tsa.gov/ccsp.