New security legislation needs buy-in from Acsa

Airport must be secured before ‘known shipper’ concept can work JOY ORLEK AS SOUTH Africa gears up for the introduction of mandatory identification of all goods placed on aircraft, questions continue to be raised about the implications for the time-sensitive express freight industry. “All countries around the world are looking at how to secure the airways,” says TNT regional security manager John Nelson, “and South Africa needs to fall into line with global requirements. “But when the legislation is published it will hit the industry hard in terms of its ability to hand over freight and expect it to fly. “Agents will need to be licensed, and to be licensed they will need to be audited. This means that the origin of goods will have to be verified and goods screened before being handed over as known cargo.” This can only be achieved if companies do the screening themselves, which will involve the purchase of expensive X-ray equipment estimated to cost up to R500 000 per unit. And bigger players will need more than one. “There’s also a limit on the operating shifts for operators of X-ray equipment, which will add to manpower costs.” While the legislation was due to be signed off last year, there is no indication when it will happen, according to Nelson. “Ultimately we will have to conform to what’s happening in Europe or we could conceivably end up in a situation where the larger airlines won’t uplift freight and express material.” But it’s not only about what goes onto the aircraft. “If you can get into the airport you can plant whatever you want to, so no matter what the stakeholders do, it’s up to Airports Company of SA to ensure that the airport itself is secured,” he said.