TSA Annoys Forwarders With Their New Directive

´The new ruling states that shipments bound for the USA must have the following written statement attached to the Master Air Waybill (MAWB)
“(name of entity) has reviewed all available documents and has determined that none of the cargo being offered in this consignment or consolidation has originated in, transferred from, or transited through any point in Egypt, Somalia, Syria or Yemen.”

AFA expressed its concerns
It seems there were discussions with TSA officials and the U.S. Airforwarders Association beforehand, where the Association voiced the misgivings of the AfA members.
To no avail it seems - the TSA issued the directive.

The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) last week sent its members a note that there is now also an update to the recent security amendments of the TSA.
In this, the TSA has published a separate new Cargo Information Bulletin (CIB).
This is accessible to all forwarders who are regulated as Indirect Air Carriers (IACs) under the TSA Security Program.

No proper involvement of forwarders
This new bulletin is posted on IACMS secure website and TIACA encourages IACs to review it in order to obtain a clearer picture.
The bulletin also states that “this information may be shared with the readers Authorized Representatives in accordance with the procedures contained in the IAC Security Program.”
It is advised that forwarders should contact their local TSA representatives for further clarity.

Air cargo security is of paramount importance to the industry and the travelling public and the introduction of common rulings to protect is just as important.
However, causing uncertainty and annoyance among the forwarders by not involving them properly in the process is not going to help the proper implementation and understanding among those affected.

John Mc Donagh