New EU rules boost air cargo security

A set of rules aimed at strengthening security checks on air cargo and mail, particularly those coming from outside the EU, will be on the agenda of EU Transport Ministers meeting in Brussels today.

The proposals come in the wake of a security alert after explosive devices in cargo shipments, originating from Yemen and bound to locations in the US, were discovered at the end of October. The devices were transferred at airports in Germany and the UK.

Unveiled by Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas, the proposals include legislation imposing new security conditions from next year on EU air carriers transporting cargo from beyond.

More inspections will be introduced since 30 checks made in the month after the incidents made it clear some airports and airlines had to step up their watch.

The EU will also be announcing new projects aimed at improving detection technologies and future research.

“There are many different types of cargo, so screening it effectively can be challenging. There will be further investment in research to improve the performance of detection technologies and to come up with new possibilities. This will be carried out under the EU research framework programme and other initiatives,” the Commission said.

While launching the initiatives, Mr Kallas warned against playing into terrorists’ hands when responding to recent events. “We should not fall into the trap of overreacting with new across-the-board screening and control procedures,” he said. Such attitude would “paralyse both the aviation industry and our economies, which rely on fast and reliable air cargo services.”

“This would be a victory for our opponents who would probably still find another loophole somewhere. We must be confident but not complacent,” he urged.