AIRFREIGHT

We kindly inform you about a substantial change in the inspection of air freight in hermetically packed containers of more than 25 liters.

For this type of consignment, the approved inspection technology reaches its limits and the possibilities are very limited throughout the EU. Barrels and containers, for example, are therefore currently sent via France using a method that is authorized there (via the REST / RAS Cargo procedure).

According to a recent announcement by the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC, DSAC department), there will be important changes and restrictions for this method effective from April 1, 2024.

What are the specific changes and what can you do as a shipper?

• Affected are shipments that are packed in airtight containers with a volume of more than 25 liters, such as drums, cans, canisters, etc. (experience has shown that an X-ray produces a so-called "dark alert" - a black image - due to the high density of this quantity and therefore does not lead to a clear screening result. Another screening method must be selected)

• Goods packed in this form can only be checked without restrictions until March 31, 2024 via the so called REST procedure (RAS Cargo) in France.

• A transitional period applies from April 1, 2024 until September 30, 2024:

Shippers can fill out a questionnaire, submit it before April 1, 2024 by email to the French Civil Aviation Authority DGAC, department DSAC and thus apply for a special permit until September 30, 2024. The questionnaire will be sent to you on request. The French authority (DSAC) will then notify the applicant (consignor) within 30 days (after receipt of the application). The notification will be sent by e-mail.

• If the questionnaire has been filled out completely and is accepted by the authority, the notification will state the date of approval and the DSAC contact person. The applicant must send a copy of this notification to all service providers (carriers) so that the REST procedure can be used until the end of the transition period.

For the service period from April 1, 2024 until September 30, 2024, we ask you to send us your "Authorization by the DSAC" for goods to be secured in France.

If you declare/book affected goods for screening without having a DSAC authorization, there is a risk of rejection at the control point. Jet-Speed is not liable for (financial) damage resulting from the absence of authorization by the client or shipper.

Types of relevant goods and containers (Source:  DGAC-Announcement, January 16, 2024)

• Definition of hermetic containers: Hermetic containers include barrels, cans, IBCs made of plastic, metal, glass, cardboard, etc., including hermetic containers that are themselves packed in boxes, pallets etc.
• Nature of content: The rules apply to all contents, whether liquid, solid, powder, paste, hazardous or non-hazardous, regardless of their nature.
• Capacity: It is important to note that the capacity of more than 25 liters applies to the container itself and not to the content. Hermetic containers with less than 5 liters are not subject to these rules and therefore screened like regular boxes.
• Geographical application: The rules, published by the French authority, apply to all shipments presented for screening in France.

In addition to this information, you will find below an overview table from the DGAC for a general understanding of the new procedures:

	TODAY	WITH DGAC AUTHORIZATION	WITHOUT DGAC AUTHORIZATION	FROM 10/01/2024
		04/01/2024 => 09/30/2024	04/01/2024 => 09/30/2024
6 X 5 L in a box	XRY or EDD	XRY or EDD	XRY or EDD	XRY
6 X 4 L in a box	XRY or EDD	XRY or EDD	XRY or EDD	XRY or EDD
≤ 25 L	XRY or EDD	XRY or EDD	XRY	XRY
2 X 25 L in a box	XRY or EDD	XRY or EDD	XRY	XRY
Over 25 L	XRY or EDD	XRY or EDD	KC or 3PL (if the exporter uses a logistics provider) or NO FLIGHT	KC or 3PL (if the exporter uses a logistics provider) or NO FLIGHT

XRY: screening by X-ray | EDD: screening by Explosive Detection Dog – free running or REST | RA: Regulated Agent KC: Known Consignor | 3PL: Third Party Logistic Provider

Possible procedures for producers and consignors

The extension of the deadline with the application for the special permit allows you to implement one of following strategies that are currently available:

• Adaptation of the shipping packaging according to the new requirements, i.e. using containers not larger than 25 liters - e.g. by producing a quantity suitable for air freight, i.e. filling a quantity which is only used when air freight is involved.
• Take the opportunity to have a test “X-ray” of your freight - your Jet-Speed contact will be happy to assist you with scheduling an appointment.
• Certification as “Known Consignor” until October 1, 2024.
• TPL procedure by an Regulated Agent as well as adaptation of procedures and  acceptance by the certifying authority. We can provide you with further advice.

All data and information are subject to further changes and without guarantee, based on the information currently available to us.

If you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your local Jet-Speed representative.