The organisation also called for industry participation in the Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) pilot currently under way in the US.

Michael Steen, Chairman of GACAG, said: “We are a global industry and it is critical that we work with regulators to develop a global, harmonised approach in this area.

“We believe there will be great value from our industry members’ participation in the ACAS pilot in the US, and on drawing lessons from that pilot towards a globalised and harmonised outcome.”

He added: “There has been a recent significant increase in the number of countries seeking to implement advance electronic information but as some countries may not be following the advance electronic information standards published in the WCO (World Customs Organization) SAFE Framework, it is creating confusion and additional costs to the aviation sector.”

He went on: “In their respective efforts to further secure the air cargo supply chain, some countries have been releasing ad hoc directives – including consideration of advance electronic information prior to loading – without adequate time for discussion, resulting in regulations that the industry may be unable to fulfil.”

GACAG is making several recommendations, such as that regulations must recognise different segments of the air cargo industry, allowing multiple filings based on the availability of information while limiting duplication.

The association also suggests that importers, exporters or their agents should provide goods declarations as early as possible for security risk assessment, and that authorities should provide electronic notification of security concerns.

» ACW 16 July 2012 Security Review, pages 8-9