September 11, 2024
Update to New Aviation Security Measures
Canada has joined the US in the sudden implementation of stricter security requirements for Europe- and CIS-based air cargo shippers importing goods into the country.
Following the announcement of the new requirements, Air Canada Cargo warned shippers that they face an embargo unless they can meet the new requirements.
The airline said that Transport Canada had issued an immediate mandate that all cargo arriving from a list of 55 largely European countries (see list below) must not be accepted from shippers without an established business relationship.
Further to the measures implemented by Transport Canada as reported last week, we have been advised that there has been an amendment to the definition of Established Business Relationship to now read:
An active account in existence before August 29, 2024, with physical and billing addresses and payment or credit history documented through invoices, billing records or documented sales.
Shipping documents satisfies the requirements provided they are between the shipper and the forward/agent and prior to 29 AUG 24.
The original reference to six shipments tendered in the past 90-day period has been removed.
Full list of countries affected by Canada’s requirements:
| Albania | Czech Republic | Ireland | Monaco | Slovakia |
| Andorra | Denmark | Italy | Montenegro | Slovenia |
| Armenia | Estonia | Kazakhstan | Netherlands | Spain |
| Austria | Finland | Kosovo | North Macedonia | Sweden |
| Azerbaijan | France | Kyrgyzstan | Norway | Switzerland |
| Belarus | Georgia | Latvia | Poland | Tajikistan |
| Belgium | Germany | Liechtenstein | Portugal | Turkey |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Greece | Lithuania | Romania | Turkmenistan |
| Bulgaria | Holy See | Luxembourg | Russia | Ukraine |
| Croatia | Hungary | Malta | San Marino | United Kingdom |
| Republic of Cyprus | Iceland | Moldova | Serbia | Uzbekistan |
Air Canada expects cargo disruption with any strike shutdown.
Air Canada today said that cargo operations are under threat as it is “finalising contingency plans to suspend most of its operations” in the face of possible industrial action.
The airline said that unless a pay agreement is reached with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) union – representing more than 5,200 pilots at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, from September 15, operations could be impacted by a 72-hour strike or lock out notice and this would trigger the carrier’s three-day wind down plan, with flights progressively cancelled over three days.
“Cargo operations will also be affected. Each day, Air Canada Cargo carries in the belly holds of its aircraft and air freighters perishable or live commercial goods, components for manufacturers, and other time-sensitive items for Canadians. Already, the airline has begun limiting acceptance of some of these goods given average shipment timelines.”
The airline declined to further comment specifically on how the latest development may affect air cargo operations.
Preparations for potential pilot strike action have been underway for quite some time at Air Canada after talks over pay and conditions broke down at the end of August, after 15 months of discussions.
Air Canada Cargo said earlier this month that operations are not currently affected. However, the business said that to avoid any risk of disruption during the shipment process, it would implement new acceptance dates for specific commodities.
Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge presently operate close to 670 daily flights on average.
In the event of a complete shutdown of operations, Air Canada estimated it would take up to 7 to 10 days to resume normal operations.
Air Canada Express flights will continue to operate, as third-party carriers Jazz and PAL Airlines provide these services. However, these regional partners only carry about 20% of Air Canada’s daily customers, noted the airline.
If you have any questions, kindly contact one of our offices for further updates.
Sincerely,
Branson International Inc.