Transport Canada’s Air Cargo Security Program ensures that air cargo remains secure throughout the shipping process.
The program uses a secure supply chain approach, which helps reduce bottlenecks at airports and keep air cargo free from tampering while being handled at different stages of its journey.
If your business is involved in screening, storing or transporting secure air cargo on passenger or all-cargo international and transborder (U.S.) flights, you may apply to the program.
On this page
Who’s eligible
- Air Carriers
- Known Consignors
- Certified Agent
- Regulated Agent
- Account Consignor
- Authorized Cargo Administrator
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.
What you need before you start
Have this information ready before you start your online application. The application should take about 20 to 30 minutes to complete.
If you’re applying on behalf of a company, please note that you will need the contact information for a company executive and business information to complete the application.
Once the application is complete you can submit your application electronically. We also recommend that you print a copy for your records.
Business information and address
The program requires a site-specific application and will only accept applications from registered Canadian businesses. In order to verify your information, we need:
- your business name
- your 9-digit business number from the Canada Revenue Agency
- the physical business address (PO Boxes are not accepted)
- company website (optional)
Business name
If your business is a sole proprietorship, use the name that appears on your individual tax return.
If your business is a registered partnership, use the names of the registered partners.
If your business is a corporation, use the name that appears on the articles of incorporation.
Company Executive
The company executive must have signing authority for the business. They must also have the ability to legally bind the organization to the general terms and conditions.
Cargo Security Coordinator (CSC)
Every site in Canada that handles secure air cargo needs a Cargo Security Coordinator. The coordinator’s role in the program is to ensure that your organization complies with the Air Cargo Security Program regulatory requirements and serves as the main contact between the site and Transport Canada for aviation security matters. They should be a senior manager or supervisor within the company.
Background check
The Company Executive, Cargo Security Coordinator, all Authorized Cargo Representatives and all Screeners must hold a valid background check or Transportation Security Clearance.
How to apply
If your business is involved in screening, storing or transporting secure air cargo, you can apply to the program. To be a part of the program, your business will need to:
- complete an application
- be approved
- once accepted, meet ongoing inspection requirements
There is no fee to join the program.
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.
Known Consignors
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.
Apply as an authorized cargo administrator
Contact us
Aviation Security Operations, Mailstop: ABAC
Transport Canada
Tower C, Place de Ville
330 Sparks St
Ottawa, ON K1A 0N5
Telephone: 1-866-375-7342