EU Aviation Security Validator

If air cargo is part of your supply chain Françoise has been recognised by the Dutch Government and certified as EU Aviation Security Validator. A validator is only considered ‘approved’ when his/her information is included in the  EU database . In September 2013, Françoise van den Broek successfully completed the ‘Aviation Security Independent Validators ACC3)’ training course and passed the examination organised by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV). She may now validate outstations who wish to obtain the ACC3 status. She may also validate logistics service providers who wish to obtain the status of Known Consignor in a third country (KC3) or third country Regulated Agent (RA3). EU Database registration number: NL/0005/NL/3000 (expiry date 13 October 2018).

Why EU Aviation Security Validation? Crime and terrorist threats can seriously disrupt your (international) supply chain. The air cargo supply chain is of vital importance to world trade, and in this, anti-terrorism security plays a critical role. Despite the fact that the air cargo industry has an excellent track record when it comes to security, recent incidents give cause for concern. In response, European legislation concerning the security of air cargo has been updated regularly from 2010. Airlines transporting cargo must register as so-called ‘Air Cargo or Mail Carrier operating into the Union from a Third Country Airport’ (ACC3).

Air cargo and ACC3 To obtain the ACC3 status airlines must submit a ‘Declaration of Commitments’ to the authorised authorities. This declaration must cover each non-EU airport from which cargo or mail is flown into the EU. An exception is made for cargo or mail that arrives in Europe directly from a country on the ‘green’ list. ACC3s are obliged to ensure that all cargo and mail with a destination within the EU is screened or originates from a secure supply chain. Until 30 June 2014, the minimum requirement is application of the ICAO security standards. From 1 July 2014, the EU Regulations state that ACC3s must be in possession of security verifications for their cargo and mail operation at the non-EU airports concerned. This validation must be performed by an independent validator, certified by the competent EU authority. Entities from whom you, as ACC3, receive cargo or mail may either be validated as part of your own on-site validation or they may have their own relevant cargo handling activities and entities validated by an EU Aviation Security Validator.

KC3 and RA3 Entities who wish to become a known consignor (KC3) or authorised agent (RA3) in a third country must have their own relevant cargo handling activities validated by an EU Aviation Security Validator. The validator will assess whether the entity complies with the relevant security requirements by conducting an on-site verification of the location where the air cargo and/or mail is processed. KC or RA may be validated as part of an ACC3’s own security programme, but may also be independently validated. Entities who wish to apply for the status of KC3 or RA3 can do so in one of two ways: Option 1: If the entity conducts security controls on behalf of an ACC3, the entity may be validated as part of the ACC3 validation. In that case must the ACC3 security programme must include details of the security controls performed by the entity concerned. Option 2: The entity can have its own relevant cargo and/or mail processing activities independently validated by an EU Aviation Security Validator. The EU aviation security validator will use a standard checklist to assess whether the entity works in accordance with the necessary security objectives as laid down in the EU Regulations.

Who is authorised to perform an EU Aviation Security Validation? EU air cargo security validations may only be conducted by legal entities or individuals who are approved as EU Aviation Security Validator by the authorised authorities of an EU Member State. Approved EU Aviation Security Validators are recognised by all EU Member States and may conduct validations for all airlines and entities processing air cargo and who seek approval for their operations in accordance with EU legislation concerning air cargo and mail from non-EU countries. For further information, please visit:  http://ec.europa.eu/transport/modes/air/security/cargo-mail/entities_en.htm