e-News® | The NEWS Company…Miami, April 21, 2015 : The Association has published a new position paper urging regulators to take a sequential approach, and ensure compatibility and operational feasibility on both Customs and Civil Aviation aspects. Pre-loading advance cargo information (PLACI) initiatives undertaken by the US, EU, and Canada since the 2010 “Yemen incident” have proved that using Advance Data for civil aviation risk assessment provides an additional layer of security.

Regulators must continue to work closely with all members of the air cargo supply chain to ensure impending Advance Data regulations enhance security without impeding cargo flows, according to a new position paper from TIACA. TIACA agrees that the so-called “7+1” data set currently used in the pilot phase is sufficient for civil aviation risk assessment and can be provided early in the supply chain. But regulators must enable all relevant parties including carriers and others, such as Regulated Agents or Postal Operators in the supply chain, to submit data in order to encourage industry to provide it as early as possible.

TIACA also calls for a portal or other easily accessible system for small and medium forwarders to use when submitting data, to avoid the complications and IT costs to connect with existing automation systems. TIACA is also urging regulators to avoid imposing penalties for 7+1 data submission errors. “PLACI regulations must take into account the fact that industry is providing data to the best of its knowledge, at an early stage of the supply chain, in order to promote the shared objective of enhancing security,” said Doug Brittin.

“Because of this, regulators should not look to apply penalties for any errors or updates to PLACI, as data is being provided on a best efforts basis.” TIACA’s Position Paper, published this week, states that Advance Data systems should adopt an outcome-oriented approach, and be flexible enough to adapt to diverse supply chain business models such as express, general cargo, and post.

“This will ensure that all supply chain models are able to provide the necessary data, and that the data can be analyzed and security enhanced, while commercial flows are unimpeded,” said Brittin. TIACA is a member of the World Customs Organization (WCO)’s and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)’s Joint Working Group on Advance Cargo Information (JWGACI).

“We believe it is the right forum to discuss and develop Advance Data issues and solutions,” said Brittin. “Global Advance Data standards need to be adopted quickly and TIACA is encouraged by the levels of collaboration we are seeing as we work towards a common goal, but much work remains to be done to ensure all of these programs work together, especially with the USA and EU moving toward formal regulation quickly.”

A full copy of the Position Paper which includes detailed, up-to-date analysis of the issues around Advance Data as well as TIACA’s recommendations and action points can be downloaded by going to the TIACA website, tiaca.org

ABOUT THE 7 + 1 DATA SET
The “7+1” data elements are: (7) – the number of pieces, total weight, general cargo description, shipper name, shipper address, shipper address, consignee name, and consignee address (all as described on the house air waybill), plus (1) – the house air waybill number.  The World Customs Organization (WCO) has taken several steps to incorporate 7+1 into its SAFE Framework of Standards and is expected to finalize this action in June 2015.

ABOUT TIACA
The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) represents, supports, informs, and connects every element of the global air freight supply chain. TIACA lobbies governments and regulators, provides valuable networking opportunities, organizes and hosts leading industry events, and gives guidance, advice, and specialist career development training for members. We champion every size of business, and help shape the policy which affects all of our members, providing a unifying voice for the industry, working for global standards, and raising the profile of air cargo. TIACA is a not-for-profit trade association representing aircraft manufacturers, airports, all-cargo airlines, combination carriers, consultants, Customs brokers, educational institutions, equipment manufacturers, general sales agents, ground handlers, freight forwarders, integrators, IT systems providers, logistics companies, road carriers, shippers, and screening technology developers. Visit tiaca.org