Glossary > #ACAS

ACAS – Air Cargo Advance Screening

The Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) program is a key security initiative developed to enhance the safety of air shipments destined for the United States. This program represents a joint effort between U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). ACAS, operational since June 12, 2019, plays a crucial role in identifying high-risk shipments before they are loaded onto aircraft, thereby protecting U.S. airspace from potential threats.

What is ACAS?

ACAS stands for Air Cargo Advance Screening, a preventive security measure aimed at enhancing the safety of air cargo entering the United States. The program requires the submission of specific data elements about air cargo shipments before they are loaded onto aircraft at foreign ports. This advance submission enables U.S. authorities to assess potential security threats earlier in the supply chain, thereby mitigating risks associated with terrorism and other unlawful activities.

ACAS Objectives

The main objectives of ACAS include:

  1. Enhancing air cargo security: By identifying and targeting high-risk shipments, ACAS aims to prevent dangerous goods from reaching U.S. airspace.
  2. Streamlining cargo movement: The program facilitates faster clearance of low-risk shipments, improving the efficiency of air cargo operations.
  3. Collaborative risk management: The initiative is a joint effort between CBP and TSA, leveraging the strengths of both agencies for effective risk management.

Why was ACAS created?

ACAS was created in direct response to attempted terrorist threats that exposed vulnerabilities in air cargo security. Prior to ACAS, electronic cargo manifest information was required only four hours before arrival in the U.S., which allowed targeting potential threats only after departure. The ACAS pilot project aimed to close this security gap by ensuring cargo information is transmitted before loading at foreign ports.

ACAS Data Requirements

The ACAS program requires the submission of a specific set of data elements, known as the “7+1 Data Elements,” which must be filed before loading the cargo onto an aircraft. These elements are essential for CBP and TSA to assess the risk associated with each shipment.

Mandatory Data Elements

  1. Shipper name and address: The name of the person or company sending the cargo, including a valid street, city, state, country, and postal code.
  2. Consignee name and address: The name of the recipient, including a valid street, city, state, country, and postal code.
  3. Cargo description: A detailed description of the cargo. General descriptions should be avoided to ensure clarity and accuracy.
  4. Total quantity: The smallest external packing unit of the cargo.
  5. Total weight: The total weight of the cargo, expressed in pounds or kilograms.
  6. Air waybill number: A unique shipment identifier, including air waybill numbers for both house and master shipments, if applicable.
  7. Originator code: A seven-character code used to identify the ACAS filer and the return address for message responses.

Operational Workflow

The ACAS operational workflow includes several key steps to ensure effective screening of air shipments. The process begins with the submission of required data elements, followed by evaluation by CBP and TSA, and concludes with the issuance of screening results.

Data Submission

ACAS data must be electronically submitted to CBP before the cargo is loaded onto the aircraft. This can be done through direct communication with ACAS or by transmitting corresponding manifest data within the specified timeframe.

Inspection and Evaluation

Once the data is submitted, it is assessed by CBP and TSA personnel for potential security threats. The evaluation process includes:

  • Completion of security submission evaluation: Indicates that the shipment poses no threat.
  • Request for information: Requesting additional information if necessary.
  • Referral for inspection: Mandatory additional inspection protocols for shipments considered high-risk.
  • Do Not Load (DNL): A directive to prevent the loading of shipments deemed too risky.

Feedback and Resolution

CBP provides feedback to the filer through various types of messages, such as evaluation completions or requests for further action. It is the responsibility of ACAS filers to promptly address any issues highlighted in the feedback to avoid shipment delays.

Global Impacts and Compliance

The ACAS program impacts not only shipments entering the United States but also sets a precedent for international air cargo security standards. By requiring pre-departure data submissions, ACAS supports global compliance with enhanced security measures and fosters uniformity in air cargo security programs worldwide.

International Engagement

The U.S. government actively promotes the ACAS framework in other countries, encouraging international collaboration in securing global air cargo supply chains. This includes cooperation with countries that have National Cargo Security Program (NCSP) recognition through TSA.

Stakeholder Benefits

  • Shippers and carriers: ACAS provides a structured framework for identifying high-risk shipments, leading to fewer disruptions and improved compliance with international security protocols.
  • Senders and recipients: By streamlining the inspection process, ACAS facilitates faster clearance times and reduces the likelihood of cargo delays.

Future Outlook

The ACAS program is expected to evolve further with plans to make the initiative mandatory for all international shipments destined for or transiting through the United States. This development will likely include updates to regulatory requirements and exploration of new technologies to enhance data submission and inspection capabilities.

Technological Advancements

The future of ACAS will likely include advanced data analytics and machine learning techniques to improve the accuracy and efficiency of threat detection. Such advancements will allow for more precise targeting of high-risk shipments, further enhancing air cargo security.

Regulatory Developments

As ACAS becomes a mandatory requirement, stakeholders must stay informed about regulatory changes and ensure compliance with updated data submission guidelines. This will involve continued collaboration between government agencies, industry participants, and international partners.

The Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) program represents a significant step forward in enhancing the security of air shipments entering the United States. By requiring pre-departure submission of key data elements, ACAS enables timely threat identification and efficient risk management. As the program continues to evolve, it will play a key role in shaping the future of global air cargo security, ensuring safer and more efficient supply chains worldwide.