UAE’s ICP, IATA partner to enhance freight security

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Federal Authority for Identity, Citizen, Custom and Port Security (ICP) in the UAE have signed an MoU and agreed to work together on the deployment of a pre-loading advance cargo information (PLACI) system in the UAE.

The UAE will be the first country outside of the US and the EU to implement a PLACI regime to create a more secure air cargo supply chain in the country.

The submission of advance cargo information enables ICP to target and assess risks related to freight prior to the arrival of the shipment to the country of destination.

This new layer of security to be applied before loading shipments bound to UAE complies with principles set jointly by the International Civil Aviation Organisation and World Customs Organisation. The cooperation between IATA and ICP will ensure that industry standards will be integrated in this PLACI regime.

Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s regional VP Africa and Middle East, said: “The project will employ IATA messaging standards and existing business processes in one of the few pre-loading electronic advance information programs currently developed worldwide. The endorsement of IATA standards by a national administration is an important step towards harmonizing standards across the industry which is critical for the secure flow of trade. We look forward to a successful implementation, setting an example for other countries.”

“The cooperation between IATA and ICP regarding air freight security will contribute to achieving a higher level of security in this vital sector in light of harmonising national regulations with international standards. This will facilitate the smooth flow of supply chain security and trade through a developed and coordinated approach, which will reinforce UAE’s position as an international centre for trade and shipping. It’s worth noting that the ICP UAE is one of the pioneering institutions implementing the initiative which complies with International Civil Aviation Organization and World Customs Organization joint standards,” said Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaeeli, ICP’s General Director.