Indirect Air Carriers

The Transportation Security Administration ("TSA") published a rule in today's Federal Register setting the fee for Security Threat Assessments ("STAs") at $41.  According to the notice, STAs are required for "employees of aircraft operators, foreign air carriers, IACs [Indirect Air Carriers ], and CCSFs [Certified Cargo Screening Facilities] who have or are applying for unescorted access to cargo to be transported on passenger aircraft, screen cargo, supervise the screening of cargo, or perform certain other security functions as provided for in [49 C.F.R.] § 1540.201(a)."  The rule takes effect June 22, 2012. 

The Cargo Services Conference (CSC) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has adopted amendments to Resolution 600b, which is the standard set of terms of conditions utilized in international air waybills. IATA will soon be circulating the Finally Adopted Resolution (FAR) memo listing all the adopted amendments to the CSC Members for filing with the required government authorities.  Once the required approvals are obtained, the amendments will be declared effective accordingly.  The timelines for implementation of the new amendments to Resolution 600b will be provided in the declaration of effectiveness memo.  Accordingly, indirect air carriers participating in international air transport should track forthcoming IATA developments to ensure compliance with IATA directives.