Luftfahrt-Bundesamt

FAQ security supply chain third country

Is it necessary to check the content of the accompanying documents for cargo and mail from third countries when the consignments are in transfer or transit?

Yes, according to points 6.8.3.8 and 6.8.3.9 of the Annex to the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998, the accompanying documents of consignments in transfer or transit at airports within the EU must be checked by the transporting air carrier (ACC3) for the minimum information.

The same applies according to point 6.8.3.3 of the Annex to the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998 if the consignments are in transfer or transit at airports in third countries. Accordingly, the ACC3 must ensure that transit/transfer consignments have been subjected to checks or security controls. This also includes the examination of the documents accompanying the cargo.

Is it mandatory for the ACC3 to carry out the security control according to points 6.8.3.3 or 6.8.3.8 in conjunction with point 6.8.3.9 of the Annex to the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998 by itself?

No, the ACC3 may also delegate the verification of the content of the accompanying documents of consignments in transfer or transit to a regulated agent (regB or RA3). Compliance with the delegation of tasks must be reviewed regularly as part of the ACC3's own quality assurance process.

What must be initiate by an ACC3 if not all content requirements for accompanying documents of consignments from third countries according to point 6.8.3.6 of the Annex to the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998 are fulfilled?

In this case, consignments originating from a third country listed in the Attachment 6-I of the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998 must be checked in accordance with Chapter 6.7 before an onward flight. All consignments from third countries not listed therein shall be handled in accordance with Chapter 6.2

Does an ACC3 also have to check the accompanying documents of consignments before onward transport if they originate from a third country listed in Attachment 6-F of the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998?

Yes, even then it is the responsibility of the ACC3 or the corresponding authorized entity to check the accompanying documents. The accompanying documents for consignments from third countries listed in Attachment 6-F of the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998 must, in accordance with point 6.8.3.7 of the Annex to the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998, at least comply with the ICAO Regulation for the Consignment Security Declaration (CSD) or an alternative system with equivalent information.

Under which circumstances are the requirements of point 6.8.3.7 of the Annex to the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998 not met?

Generally, the requirements are not met if - for example - the declaration is written in another language than in English. In this case, the documents accompanying the shipment cannot be accepted. The shipments must be rejected or re-screened.

Does an ACC3 have to supplement already existing accompanying documents with its information according to point 6.8.3.6 of the Annex to the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998 when it handles consignments in transfer or transit? And does this also applies to consignments from a third country listed in Attachment 6-F of the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998?

Yes, as the ACC3 is required to carry out security controls when accepting consignments in accordance with point 6.8.3.5 of the Annex to the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998. The same applies according to point 6.8.3.3 of the Annex to the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998 when handling consignments that are in transfer or transit. The ACC3 always documents the execution in the accompanying documents in accordance with point 6.8.3.6 of the Annex to the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998, regardless of whether the consignments are in transfer or transit.

Documentation in the accompanying documents in the form of mentioning the unique alphanumeric identifier (UAI) and the assignment/confirmation of the security status is also carried out for mail and cargo consignments from a third country listed in Attachment 6-F of the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998.

How long must the contents of the accompanying documents be retained?

For consolidated consignments, the ACC3 or the delegated RA3 that assembled the consignment must retain the information required in point 6.8.3.6(1)(a) to (e) of the Annex to the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998 for each individual consignment until at least the estimated time of arrival of the consignments at the first airport in the EU or 24 hours, whichever is longer.

The documents must be available for immediate presentation by the ACC3 or, if applicable, by the assigned regulated agent in the EU upon request by the responsible staff of the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt or must be accessible by them on site as part of a surveillance measure.

If not all required information is recorded on the accompanying documents, it is the responsibility of the ACC3 or the delegated regulated agent to arrange for a new inspection for the respective consignments.

Use of cookies

Cookies help us to provide our services. By using our website you agree that we can use cookies. Read more about our Privacy Policy and visit the following link: Privacy Policy

OK