Air cargo is currently the fastest growing market by mode of transport, primarily driven by the strong growth in demand for e-commerce goods. In November 2024, the total demand for air cargo services increased by 8.2% year over year, marking the 16th consecutive month of demand growth.
This increase in air shipments also means an increase in security threats such as cyberattacks, acts of terrorism, and the illegal transport of hazardous materials. To protect both people and goods, air transport security authorities are introducing enhanced regulations to minimize risks and ensure the integrity of cargo. Understanding these changes is crucial for businesses looking to maintain compliance and avoid any unnecessary delays to their supply chain.
Air freight security measures in Europe
In recent years, the European Union (EU) has implemented a customs pre-arrival security system, Import Control System 2 (ICS2), to ensure that all relevant data is available for risk assessment before goods enter the Union. The new system has been implemented sequentially for air shipments (from 2023), sea shipments (from 2024), and road and rail carriers (2025).
If you transport goods to the EU from airports outside this area, you must have the ACC3 designation that requires all cargo be physically screened according to EU standards or come from a secure supply chain approved by the EU. These measures include X-ray screening, explosive detection systems, and manual inspections.
Within the EU, all entities such as air carriers, freight forwarders, and other agents must be approved as regulated agents or known consignors. These entities are responsible for applying security controls and ensuring the physical protection of cargo from the moment security controls are applied until loading onto the aircraft.
In January 2025, the European Aviation Safety Agency published the new edition of European Plan for Aviation Safety that define key goals to ensure aviation safety and identify the main risks and challenges as well as essential actions to address these issues. The 2025 edition introduces several updates and new actions needed to achieve a greater level of aviation security in the region. The new tasks include:
- A regulatory framework for additional protection of the aerodrome surroundings. This regulation aims to manage wildlife hazard around airport and ensure protection from laser attacks.
- Support for the implementation by EU of the new Ground Handling regulations focused on standardizing the safety and efficiency of ground handling procedures at European airports to reduce the risk of accidents and incidents during ground operations.
Trans-Atlantic shipping regulations
For European manufacturers, some of the highest volume air routes are ones connecting Europe and North America. Freight on these routes must comply with both EU regulations and North America security regulations.
In 2024, the United States introduced new security measures to strengthen national security through earlier threat identification. These regulations are an extension of the Air Cargo Advanced Screening (ACAS) system and include advanced air cargo screening and enhanced security filings. They apply to shipments originating from Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
These regulations mean that more information about the shipper of the goods must be provided, enabling more effective identification of parties involved in the air cargo supply chain before loading. These standards require comprehensive information about the cargo, its origins, and all parties involved in the transport of goods.
What the new regulations mean for your business?
Undoubtedly, changes that allow for early identification and minimization of threats in air freight are needed, considering the increased traffic and risks associated with the transport of dangerous goods or potential acts of terrorism. They also can pose challenges for almost all participants in the supply chain, including:
Compliance requirements
The stricter regulations increase the complexity of compliance, requiring more detailed data submission and verification processes, or necessity to adjust processes and procedures.
Rising cost pressure
Along with the complexity, operational costs for carriers also rise, as they must ensure more thorough inspections and monitoring systems for shipments. Consequently, their service costs, already heightened due to increased demand and limited capacity, will also increase.
Potential delays
Enhanced security controls and new rules concerning operations at the airports also extend shipment processing, which can delay delivery times. Shippers and freight forwarders must ensure their processes adapt to the new regulations to avoid transport delays.
The primary benefit of enhancing air cargo security to reduce the risk of illicit activities and potential threats cannot be underestimated. Global security standards foster international cooperation and consistency in air cargo security, with the goal of ultimately improving the flow of goods.
Stay informed on evolving air transport requirements
Implementing new safety regulations is a gradual process. Nevertheless, it is crucial to be aware of current requirements and to monitor the changes being introduced.
Many global shippers relay on logistics industry experts to help them navigate the ever-changing policy landscape. C.H. Robinson handles 37 million shipments annually and operates in 150 countries across six different continents. We continuously monitor air and ocean transport requirements to support customers in complying with the current requirements and adapting to the upcoming changes.
Contact our team of experts to discuss how C.H. Robinson can help you navigate the implications of the most recent air security regulations.
