February 27, 2024

Important changes to the screening of Liquids Procedure 2024

Navigating the intricate web of regulations and screening procedures for shipping liquids across European countries is a complex task that demands a nuanced understanding of each nation's unique security protocols. 

• In Ireland, restrictions on X-ray screening for drums larger than 20-25 liters and limitations on Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) for liquids or powders are in place, with the Irish Aviation Authority recommending strict adherence to regulations.
• The United Kingdom utilizes X-ray or dog inspection for known consignors, imposing a container limit of 210ml.
• Belgium provides exemptions for known consignors, contingent on adherence to security protocols, while non-known consignor shipments face restrictions on explosive detection devices for closed containers.
• Germany has long disallowed the special control procedure, and the Netherlands is awaiting official statements with potential changes.
• Consequently, barrels and containers are frequently transported to France for screening, a practice rooted in the ability to seek security there when freight cannot be adequately secured in various European countries. 

Successfully navigating this diverse regulatory landscape necessitates careful consideration and strict adherence to the specific screening measures of each country involved. 

From April 1, 2024 there will also be important changes and restrictions for screening in France

The restriction applies to all shipments packed in hermetically sealed containers with a volume of more than 25 liters, such as drums, cans, and canisters (also in powder form, for example). These goods may only be secured in France using the REST procedure if they come from a company that has completed a predetermined questionnaire and sent it to the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC, DSAC department). 

Within the authority (DGAC), the Directorate of Civil Aviation Security (DSAC) is responsible for this recognition. 

What does that mean in concrete terms? 

Each sender must send their application and the questionnaire by e-mail to the following address: dsac-surete-fret-bf@aviation-civile.gouv.fr at least 30 days before using the REST procedure in France!

The French authority (DSAC) then notifies the applicant (sender) within these 30 days (after receipt of the application). The notification takes the form of an e-mail. 

Provided the questionnaire has been completed in full and is acceptable to the authority, the notification will state the date of approval and the DSAC contact person. The applicant should then send a copy of this authorization to all their service providers (carriers, etc.) message so that the REST procedure can be used at all. 

For the service period from 01.04.2024 to 30.09.2024, we ask your clients to send us the "Authorization by the DSAC" with every declaration of freight which contains liquids in containers packed exceeding 25L per container to be secured in France. If you declare goods to us for security without having a DSAC authorization, the freight may remain unsecured. As Crane Worldwide Logistics, we are not liable for (financial) damage resulting from the absence of authorizations on the part of the client or shipper!

Further detailed information on the questionnaire and recognition

Q: Who exactly must complete the questionnaire? 
A: The questionnaire must be completed by the sender.

Q: Does this apply to every single location of the consignor (if there are several locations)? 
A: A questionnaire does not have to be completed for each site, but all of the shipper's sites must be listed.

Q: Will there be a list in which all consignors recognized by the DGAC by means of a questionnaire are listed, can this list be viewed online?
A: According to the current status, shippers should inform their carriers themselves.

What does the approval look like?

The respective consignor is expected to receive the following information in his transitional authorization: 

• DSAC acknowledges receipt of the questionnaire dated [xxx] with which you request the continuation of the shipment by air of hermetically sealed containers such as drums, cans, canisters, etc. containing more than 25 liters.
• The DSAC is pleased to inform you that your application has been reviewed. You are therefore entitled to continue to transport these shipments by air. This permit is valid for a period of 6 months until September 30, 2024, after that period all shippers or client needs to have a Known Consignor (KC) status!

What is the purpose of this?

The aim of these major changes to the REST procedure is that more companies should/must be approved as known consignors and the secure supply chain will therefore become even more important. The French inspection providers are already working on the approval procedure for new inspection  methods, but unfortunately there is no more detailed information on this yet. The REST procedure is currently also undergoing an intensive review. The result could be that this procedure will no longer be available as a control method from 2025.

Please follow the advice below

We strongly advise clients to take prompt action regarding the transportation of liquids in containers exceeding 25 liters per shipment, as the new regulation become effective from October 1st, 2024, mandates that only Known Consignors (KC) can ship such commodities. To ensure uninterrupted air freight services for these items, it is imperative for clients to initiate the registration process and obtain certification as a Known Consignor with all relevant vendors, plants, and distribution centers at the earliest convenience.

Delay in compliance may result in the inability to ship these liquid-filled containers via air freight, emphasizing the urgency for clients to proactively engage in the certification process!