Quick Tips for Logistics Professionals
Quick Tips for Logistics Professionals
- A new regulation from French air authorities applies to the air transport of hermetically sealed drums and containers, meeting safety requirements set out at European level.
- Exporters are required to become “Known Consignors” (KC) to the aviation authorities, from now and before September 30, 2024.
- A procedure that will enable them to save time, costs and security for their shipments.
Follow the guide!
New security standards for drums and hermetic containers over 25 liters shipped by air freight have come into force, following the publication on December 8, 2023 of an interministerial decree, issued by the French commercial air authority (DGAC): to continue their shipments, exporters are required to obtain “Known Consignor” status.
A European imperative for air cargo security
Air cargo screening is essential to the security of air shipments. Authorized methods include the useof X-ray controllers and dog handlers. These checks are carried out by approved companies.
To combat the risks of terrorism and the presence of explosives on board aircraft, European regulations are evolving. This includes guaranteeing the absence of prohibited items in hermetically sealed containers transported by air.
In France, the DSAC (Direction de la sureté de l’aviation civile) has anticipated these developments to ensure that the transport of goods by air remains safe, reliable and in line with international standards. The new standards will gradually be extended throughout the European Union.
Which shipments are affected?
The new regulations apply to hermetically sealed containers of more than 25 liters, closed by a cap and transported by air.
Containers of less than 25 liters can continue to be inspected by X-ray, provided that the cargo does not come out opaque.
To continue shipping smoothly, exporters will need to obtain “known shipper” status, or opt for another type of packaging.
Exporters of liquids such as flavorings and chemicals are obviously concerned: they need to obtain “Known Consignor” approval in due time.
What is a “Known Consignor” and how do I become one?
A “known consignor” (KC) – Chargeur Connu (CCo) in French is a shipper who sends cargo or mail on his own account, and whose procedures comply to a sufficient degree with security rules and standards to enable this cargo or mail to be transported by aircraft.
Thus, a Known Consignor is a company approved by thecommercial aviation authorities . Approval, issued for a period of 5 years, assumes that the company complies with regulatory security measures ensuring that its cargoes contain no prohibited items.
> Find out more about Known Consignor approval on the Ministry of Ecology website.
Advantages: Goods shipped by a “known shipper” enable faster pick-up and limit the need for extensive inspection steps at the airport.
Save time, reduce security costs and enhance safety
2024 calendar for loaders
Exporters from France are subject to the following schedule:
- Before April 1, 2024: exporters wishing to ship hermetically sealed containers by air must register with the authorities.
- From April 1, 2024, all air shipments of hermetically sealed containers over 25 liters must be notified by the DGAC of receipt of the questionnaire. Exporters must submit a questionnaire to the DGAC at least 30 days before the first cargo delivery in France, which is the subject of this notification of receipt.
- From October 1, 2024: only exporters registered as ” known shippers ” will be able to ship drums with a capacity greater than 25 liters.
