Further to previous emails we have advised that new security requirements come into effect on the 9th April. The new requirements are going to have effect on the way you currently handle your export shipments, especially if the requirements of becoming a known customer are not met. We cannot stress this enough that there is likely to be significant costs involved if physical screening or x-ray of cargo is required. This can be avoided by becoming a known customer. Cargo cannot be carried on international scheduled passenger air services as from 9 April 2009 unless it is accompanied by a security declaration. A security declaration can only be issued by a registered air cargo agent (RACA). We are currently working through the requirements to become a RACA and one of these is to have a register of known customers. Your organisation has shipped air cargo through our premises in the past and we trust that you will continue to do so. To be entered onto our register of known customers we need to be satisfied that you understand the security requirements of the new regime as they apply to known customers including the security of cargo during its transport to our premises. These security requirements are: 1. To have the cargo packed under circumstances and conditions whereby you are certain as to the contents of the packages that go to make up each consignment and are able to complete a statement of content which will accompany the consignment. A sample of a statement of content is attached for you to see what will be required. 2. To have the cargo packages sealed with tamper evident seals or to have them transported to our premises in a secured container or truck. An attachment has been included above which gives you examples of the type of tamper seals that will be required. Further information can be found on the website of Security Seals Ltd www.securityseals.co.nz we will be sourcing seals from them as they meet the requirements of the CAA. You can purchase seals directly from them or we will be in contact nearer the end of March for possible orders if you would like us to supply seals to you. Two seals will be required for every carton – one of the underside of the carton and one on the top of the carton. Another option is tamper tape which Security Seals also sells. The tamper tape could be sued to seal shrink wrapped pallets (in addition to the carton seals)Note: If we are arranging the pick-up of the cargo we can have the seals inspected at the time of pick-up and then take responsibility for its security during the trip to our premises. 3. To have in place written procedures which apply to your staff and your premises to ensure that the requirements of paragraph (1.) and (2.) above apply. 4. To sign the accompanying acknowledgement that your organisation understands the security requirements and that you will comply with them and that you will send a statement of content with each consignment of cargo or mail that is forwarded to our premises. Notes: 1. It is quite acceptable for your organisation to be a known customer and to be registered as such with more than one RACA. 2. Guidelines for road transport and for tamper evident requirements are available on request. 3. If you choose not to become a known customer and comply with these requirements the cargo you send to us will need to be screened. This will cost you in terms of delays, the possibility of missed flights as well as the financial cost involved with paying for the screening equipment and the screeners. I have also attached a known customer self audit check list that will assist you in getting ready for the new changes. The items highlighted in the documents will need to be answered yes to meet the requirements of a know customer. We will be coming around to discuss with you the new requirements as we want to ensure that everyone that sends freight via SB international is a known shipper and has the costs for the new requirements as minimal as possible. SB cannot stress the importance of this enough and April is coming around fairly quickly. I hope the above answers some more of the questions that you may have had about the new requirements. Please contact Geoff Thomas 03 3580639 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with any queries you may have or if you wish to discuss this matter.