Certified Cargo Screening Program -

CCSP Frequently Asked Questions

Q – What is CCSP?

A – CCSP stands for Certified Cargo Screening Program. It is a voluntary program being implemented by TSA to assist in achieving the 100% screening mandate established by Congress in the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007. (See: 9/11 Act - P.L. TITLE XVI. Sec. 1602 – Page 213. http://www.nctc.gov/docs/ir-of-the-9-11-comm-act-of-2007.pdf

TSA’s approach seeks to reconcile the impact of the requirement on industry operations with the security needs of passenger air travel. A key component of this strategy is the Certified Cargo Screening Program. The CCSP will create additional screening capacity and provide a practical, effective opportunity for screening to occur on individual pieces of cargo prior to consolidation.

Q – Who can participate in the CCS Program?

A – Any facility that is a regulated party or which tenders cargo directly to a regulated party (air carrier or indirect air carrier) may apply to the CCSP. This includes manufacturers, warehouses, distribution centers, third party logistics providers, indirect air carriers and independent cargo screeners. Only TSA validated and certified facilities will be designated as a Certified Cargo Screening Facility (CCSF). Entities interested in participating in the program must submit an application for each facility to be considered, and submit to an onsite facility assessment prior to receiving TSA certification.

Q – What is a facility assessment?

A – A facility assessment is required to confirm an applicant’s adherence to CCSP security standards and requirements. TSA will evaluate a facility’s CCSP application, supporting documentation, and the facility assessment performed by a TSA representative to make a determination of certification. TSA alone retains responsibility for all decisions regarding facility designations and certifications will be issued solely by TSA.

Q – What regulations apply to the CCSP?

A – Participants in the CCSP are regulated under the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and TSA, who have full enforcement authority. The Interim Final Rule that governs CCSP was issued September 16, 2009, with an effective date of November 16, 2009. http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-21794.htm.

Q – What is an STA?

A – STA stands for Security Threat Assessment. All individuals who operate in the following areas must have a successfully completed STA verification.

• Anyone authorized by the CCSF to have unescorted access to cargo that has been screened

• Anyone who performs functions such as dispatch or security of cargo

• Cargo screeners or supervisors

Q – What is Sensitive Security Information (SSI)?

A – Information that could, if released, be detrimental to security or safety of the public. SSI information is released only to persons with a “need to know”. Security information within the Certified Cargo Screening Program is considered to be SSI. (See 49CFR.Part 1520) http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2002_register&docid=02-4081-filed.pdf

Q – What is the ‘piece level screening’ requirement?

A – Piece level screening is screening at the smallest identified packaging level. This means that bulk configurations of cargo must be broken down to piece level, screened, and reassembled prior to transport to airside.

Q – What is the difference between the Known Shipper Program and the Certified Cargo Screening Program?

A – The Known Shipper Program is used to positively identify valid businesses in the United States. Only shippers who are “known” can ship cargo on passenger aircraft.

The Certified Cargo Screening Program designates facilities that can screen known shipper cargo prior to the cargo being loaded onto a passenger aircraft.

Q – Can an entire company be certified with one application?

A – The CCSP is the program. The CCSF is the place which the program is implemented. As such, a CCSF operates at a facility-level, not at the company level and requires that each and every facility that would be utilized as a screening point be subject to a facility assessment prior to receiving any program benefits. The CCSF designation enables a facility to screen cargo using TSA-approved screening methods and technology.

Q – What is Chain of Custody?

A – CCSF’s are required to follow specific procedures when tendering screened cargo to an IAC or air carrier. Chain of custody standards must be applied, documented, and authenticated from the point of screening through to the point where the cargo is loaded onto a passenger aircraft. CCSF cargo must also be tendered with a certificate identifying this cargo as screened and coming from a CCSF.

The CCSF is responsible for screened cargo until the cargo is tendered to, and accepted by, a currently regulated Indirect Air Carrier (IAC) or Air Carrier.

Q – Is TSA working to achieve an International Harmonization for screening?

A – TSA has made efforts to harmonize activities with foreign partners to increase global air cargo security and reduce burdens on trade. TSA’s agreements with the European Commission signed on Sept. 30, 2008 and agreement with the quadrilateral (QUAD) Canada, Australia and European Union member states signed on Dec. 2, 2008, will help facilitate some common and practical solutions to air cargo screening.

Q – Where can I find further information on TSA Programs?

A – Please access the following link for information regarding programs and initiatives implemented or administered by TSA. http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/tsnm/air_cargo/programs.shtm