On June 14, 2021, the Transportation Security Administration (SA), Department of Homeland Security published in the Federal Register a notice [Docket No. TSA-2020-0001] s announcing the opportunity for manufacturers, shippers, suppliers, warehouses, vendors, e-commerce fulfillment centers, and third-party logistics providers in the air cargo supply chain to become a Secured Packing Facility (SPF). SPFs must apply security controls to secure cargo that moves through the supply chain destined for outbound international locations onboard all-cargo aircraft subject to TSA regulatory oversight. As a prerequisite to becoming an SPF, interested persons must first become an Indirect Air Carrier (IAC) regulated by TSA and agree to adopt the TSA’s SPF Order. If these requirements are met, cargo appropriately transferred to a TSA-regulated all-cargo aircraft operator by an SPF would not need to be screened in order to meet international requirements that take effect on June 30, 2021. The notice states that it is being published to ensure all interested persons are aware of the opportunity to become an SPF.
TSA will accept applications from IACs to become an SPF beginning at 12:01 a.m. (EDT) on June 14, 2021.
