Air Cargo Security and Screening System Involves Various Methods of Preventing Movement of Illicit Cargo in International Aviation

 

First and foremost, air cargo security and screening system involves a complex distribution system involving shippers and manufacturers, both off-airport and on-airport cargo shippers, air cargo consolidators, and numerous airport sorting and cargo screening facilities where shipments are carried out and loaded onto and from an airplane. The movement of goods by air can be highly dangerous, especially when goods are exposed to adverse weather conditions such as severe cold, high humidity, or storms. Also, goods exposed to these conditions during transportation are at a much higher risk for damage, loss, and theft. Therefore, it is very important for goods that are in transit to be carried in as safe a condition as possible.

Air cargo security and screening system involves a number of different methods of preventing the movement of illicit cargo in international aviation. These include identification and authentication of each piece of cargo, both in and out of the aircraft. This includes both the movement and the re-assignment of loads to maintain the integrity of the shipment. Cargo screening is one such method. Cargo screening involves the examination of loads and objects to identify whether they are prohibited items. Specifically, cargo screening is designed to reduce the threat to aviation security posed by in-flight goods that may contain prohibited materials.

Another method used to decrease the threat to air cargo security posed by in-flight goods is the use of security zones. Zones are demarcated by the airlines based on their geographic locations, either within the country or across international borders. Onboard security procedures are also a key component of air cargo security and screening system adopted by various governments. There are various policies and directives that serve as the guidelines for all persons involved in the supply chain, including airlines and shipping companies. These policies and directives dictate that all cargo that is bound for a certain country to be processed according to law of the land and are subject to consistent security standards. In Germany the Luftfahrtbundesamt is the appropriate airfreight security authority.