New air cargo security measure to hit Nunavut, Nunavik December 31: Shippers could pay extra security costs, require more time

If you’re shipping cargo from an airport in the North in the new year, and you’re not a “registered shipper,” expect longer waits and a more thorough search of your goods.

That’s because the federal Air Cargo Security Program is kicking into gear starting Dec. 31, in an effort to “help our economy and position Canada as a strong partner in global efforts against terrorism,”  Transport Canada’s website declares.

The program affects all airports designated by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority.

That takes in all larger Canadian airports, and includes Iqaluit, Kuujjuaq and Yellowknife, as well as most large southern airports.

From now on, all cargo may be screened and searched if you’re not a “registered shipper” with Transport Canada.

To become a registered shipper, a company will need a business number issued by Revenue Canada, a Canadian business address, and a referral from an airline confirming you are a regular cargo shipper.

It’s free to sign up as a registered shipper, but additional costs might be added if you’re not and your cargo is screened.

That cost is up to the air carrier to decide.

Representatives from Canadian North and First Air did not get back to Nunatsiaq News about how much this could cost unregistered shippers. 

First Air does give a warning about possible delays on fact sheet about the new changes. 

It warns customers to “allow extra time” for dropping off cargo for screening and processing.

Canadian North’s fact sheet says any shipments not from a registered shipper will incur “additional security costs to you” and this might “potentially delay your shipments for screening processing.”

http://www.nunatsiaqonline.ca

http://www.canadiannorth.com

http://www.firstair.ca