Regulators must let all supply chain firms submit advance data as early as possible and make submissions easy for small and medium sized enterprises (SME), The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) has stated in its Pre-loading advance cargo information (PLACI) position paper.
Complexity and additional information technology costs with existing IT systems need to be avoided for SMEs, according to TIACA. The associations’ secretary general, Doug Brittin says: “PLACI regulations must take into account the fact that industry is providing data to the best of its knowledge, at an early stage of the supply chain, in order to promote the shared objective of enhancing security.”
In its paper, published on Monday 20 April, the association says that PLACI initiatives in the US, European Union (EU) and Canada have improved security since the Yemen bomb plot of 2010.
The Yemen bomb plot involved placing bombs in printer cartridges, one of which was discovered at Dubai International Airport and the other at East Midlands Airport on their way to the US.
The TIACA Position Paper says that advance data systems must be flexible so as to adapt to different supply chain models, such as express and general cargo. Brittin explains: “This will ensure that all supply chain models are able to provide the necessary data, and that the data can be analysed and security enhanced, while commercial flows are unimpeded.” Brittin also says that a lot of work still needs to be done to make sure the programmes work together, “especially with the USA and EU moving towards formal regulation quickly.”
According to the TIACA paper, the information PLACI studies have indicated should be submitted is referred to as the 7+1 data set. It consists of: the number of pieces in the cargo, total weight, general cargo description, shipper name, shipper address, consignee name, consignee address, plus one, the house air waybill number, is sufficient for civil aviation.
Brittin urges regulators not to impose penalties for 7+1 data submission errors. He adds: “Regulators should not look to apply penalties for any errors or updates to PLACI, as data is being provided on a best efforts basis.”
