Transport Canada is responsible for regulating Canada’s aviation supply chain security programs to ensure the safety and security of supply chain cargo and supplies movement within Canada’s transportation system.
The Air Cargo Security Program
- is a secure supply chain process for cargo, from shipper to air carrier
- participants at each stage of the supply journey can participate and keep the cargo secure or make it secure, as applicable to their business services.
The In-Flight Supplies Security Program
- is a secure supply chain process for supplies used or consumed in-flight
- it extends from supplier to the air carrier and participants at each stage of the supply journey can participate and keep the supplies secure or make it secure, as applicable to their business services.
The Explosive Detection Dog and Handler Team (EDDHT) Program
- is a voluntary aviation security program designed to certify explosives detection dog and handler teams (EDDHTs) for use in both aviation security air cargo screening and rapid response for the investigation of explosives at airports.
Transport Canada Supply Chain program entities may leverage TC certified EDDHTs to screen air cargo prior to acceptance into the secure supply chain.
How it works
Many different businesses participate in these programs, working together to ensure that cargo and/or in-flight supplies stay secure throughout the shipping process.
These programs use a secure supply chain approach, which helps to reduce bottlenecks at airports and keep cargo and in-flight supplies free from tampering while being handled at different stages of its journey.
Air cargo and in-flight supplies can be screened and made secure at any point in the shipping process. This can happen as early as the time it is packed, right up until the time it is tendered to an air carrier.
How to apply
Businesses that want to join any of the security programs, go through an application process which involves several stages. Once approved, participants are required to meet the program’s high security standards for supply chain security.
The program has several different participant categories, listed below. Each has its own unique online application form.
If you already know which category is the right fit for your business, you can go directly to the corresponding application form.
If you’re not sure, use this quick questionnaire to determine the appropriate participant category for your business and provide you with a link to the corresponding application form.
Participant categories
Air Carriers
Carriers that operate passenger, all-cargo and/or both types of flights are subject, as applicable to the requirements of the Air Cargo Security Program and the In-Flight Supplies Security Program. Registering allows Transport Canada to share with you Industry Guidance to ensure compliance.
If you do not meet the above definition, contact us before continuing with the application.
Explosive detection dog handler team program (EDDHT)
Explosive Detection Dog and Handler Team (EDDHT): A dog and handler team certified by the Minister to conduct screening for the detection of explosive substances.
All EDDHTs used by secure supply chain program members must ensure that EDDHTs are certified by TC.
The EDDHT application process is now closed for 2024. Transport Canada will begin accepting new applications in winter 2025.
In-flight supplies security program
Regulated In-Flight Supplier (RIFS): a person, other than an air carrier, who can accept, tender, store, and screen in-flight supplies: Caterers, Groomers, Cabin Service providers such as laundry and anyone who plans to screen/store/transport IFS.
Apply as a Regulated In-Flight Supplier
Air cargo security program
Known Consignor: originates air cargo that has been made secure through a screening process applied at the time of packing.
Certified Agent: stores, transports and/or accepts secure cargo that an authorized program participant has screened and made secure.
Regulated Agent: screens cargo on behalf of others to make it secure and can also store and/or transport the secure cargo.
Account Consignor: originates cargo and has it screened by an authorized program participant to make it secure.
Authorized Cargo Administrator: does not directly handle cargo and acts as an intermediary between the company who originates the shipment and the final destination, directing the movement of the goods.