Digitalisation project to boost UAE air cargo security

IATA and Federal Authorities for Identity, Citizen, Custom and Port Security (ICP) in the UAE are working together to enhance air cargo security in the country.

Both organisations will work 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 those in the European Union 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 cargo shipments 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 Organization and World Customs Organization.

The cooperation between IATA and ICP will ensure that industry standards will be integrated in this PLACI regime, said  IATA.

Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s regional vice president for Africa and Middle East, said: “IATA has a strong relationship with ICP and is proud to assist in the development of the UAE’s pre-loading electronic advance information program.

“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.”