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Following the introduction of an emergency amendment by the US Transport Security Administration (TSA) to the Cargo Security Directive No. 1544-24-02, stricter security requirements have been implemented for cargo shipments on passenger carriers traveling to or through the country, originating from Europe and CIS states.

These requirements, effective from 23 September 2024, mandate that cargo may only be tendered from shippers with whom the freight forwarder has an Established Business Relation (EBR). Thus, freight forwarders must ensure that all shipments comply with the new EBR criteria to avoid shipments being refused.

With each master waybill (MAWB), freight forwarders must confirm that all associated shippers meet at least one of the following EBR criteria:

• The shipper is a Known Consignor under the security program of a national authority.
• The shipper has an account with the forwarder established prior to 2 September 2024, which includes at least one of the following:
• Shipping and billing address, along with documented payment or credit history.
  
• Documented sales history, including relevant contacts or activities.
•  Other documented business correspondence or records.

For shippers becoming customers after 2 September, freight forwarders must maintain records of the following:

• A business registration certificate or license.
• Business information, including name, address, phone number, and email.
• Contact information for an authorised point of contact.
• Payment information (e.g., a corporate credit card).
• A signed contract between the shipper and the forwarder.

To meet this requirement, freight forwarders must submit their confirmation via a Freight Forwarder Declaration form.  In view of minor variations between airlines, such as differences in the wording of the EBR declaration, freight forwarder are recommended to contact carriers prior to shipment.

CLECAT remains in constant contact with US authorities and European policymakers to mitigate the impact of these sudden changes, ensuring that the global supply chain remains unaffected.