Schiphol Airport prepares for launch of new Secure Import process

The Schiphol Airport cargo community will this month start testing the new Secure Import system that aims to reduce crime rates and improve processing.

Secure Import combines a new framework agreement for the import of cargo with a new IT platform – developed by Cargonaut and SmartLOXS – to process information digitally.

The digitalisation of processes “significantly reduces the risk of illicit activities” and also “enhances the controllability of processes and contributes to a more sustainable operation”, the airport said.

The Schiphol cargo community worked together to redesign the operational processes surrounding imports, which resulted in a new set of agreements specifically developed for import carriers and freight forwarders.

“This agreement framework forms the foundation for a modern and secure way of working,” the airport said.

Over the coming month, the IT platform will undergo extensive testing by the cargo community. After successful tests, the platform will be implemented at Schiphol.

Air Cargo Netherlands (ACN) explained that ground handlers will use Secure Import to advise a forwarder that a shipment is ready for collection.

The forwarder can then, within the same system, direct a transporter to pick up the shipment. The Secure Import system checks that these are the correct parties for this particular shipment and informs the ground handler who will be collecting it and when this will happen.

“New in Secure Import is that sensitive shipment information will be shared only on a ‘need to know’ basis, preventing data manipulation by third parties,” ACN said. “The new system has a built-in secure e-Visit keyrelating to the various process steps required for the transfer of a shipment.

“A driver will be given the cargo only once the e-Visit Key is ok. The starting point for the development of Secure Import was to improve security in the air cargo chain whilst, at the same time, also attempting to improve efficiency.”

Explaining the need to develop Secure Import, Schiphol said: “Transport and logistics service providers are vulnerable for the undermining effect of criminality activity – airfreight in particular, because it is mainly high-quality and expensive products that are transported by air.

“Logistics companies and their employees are experiencing increasing problems due to criminal activities in the transport of cargo from and to mainport Schiphol. Logistics employees must be able to do their job without threats or intimidation.”

Secure Import has been developed as part of the Smart Cargo Mainport Program in close consultation with its users. 

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