International Cargo Security Regulations

Effective from the 9th April 2009, the CAANZ introduced new air cargo security regulations (NZ Civil Aviation Rules – Part 109) which tightens handling procedures for freight. The aim is to ensure safety on international aircraft. As part of these heightened procedures, New Zealand Couriers is required to be authorised by a Regulated Air Cargo Agent (RACA) and to advise our clients of these regulations. All international freight handlers in New Zealand have to conform to these new rules.

The result of these regulations is the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAANZ) requires all international air cargo to be security cleared. The clearance is intended to prevent the placement of explosives or incendiary devices on aircraft as an act of unlawful interference. To enable New Zealand Couriers to effectively security clear all freight, CAANZ requires us to maintain a register of 'known customers'.

How do I become a 'known customer'?

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 all 'known customers', including the security of cargo during its transport to our premises.

Security Requirements

Known Customer Security Acceptance

If you choose not to become a 'known customer' and comply with these requirements (by returning the 'Known Customer Security Acceptance form'), the cargo you send will be subject to inspection. This may result in possible time delays and freight potentially missing flights, in addition there may be a financial cost involved in screening and confirming the contents.

Click here to view the security requirements

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 or Commercial Invoice which will accompany the consignment.
2. To have the cargo packages sealed with tamper evident materials or to have them transported to our premises in a secured container or truck. NOTE: If your courier is picking up the cargo we will 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 are adhered with.
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 or Commercial Invoice with each consignment of cargo or mail that is forwarded to our premises. If your consignment is documents, a consignment of cargo (Con note) will be sufficient.

Known Customer Security Acceptance Form

Click on the link below to complete and send us the Known Customer Security Acceptance Form.

• Known Customer Security Acceptance Form

International Cargo Security FAQs

Q: What is Rule 109?

A: The Civil Aviation Authority of NZ (CAANZ) Rule 109 is the new cargo security regulations and requirements being introduced by the New Zealand Government. The Rule 109 regulations aim to improve air cargo security carried on international passenger aircraft. As part of the new Rule 109 regulations, businesses or organisations within the international air freight environment are required to be regulated to handle and send international airfreight from New Zealand. Rule 109 also sets out security screening standards for international air cargo.

Q: When do the new regulations take affect?

A: The new Rule 109 regulatory requirements commence on the 9th April 2009.

Q: Why are these changes taking place?

A: The Civil Aviation Authority of NZ (CAANZ) has introduced new air cargo security requirements for the shipping of international air cargo under Rule 109 of the CAA regulations. These regulations aim to improve air cargo security on international passenger aircraft.

The changes ensure that the New Zealand Governments cargo security regulations are in line with internationally accepted standards and expectations as set out in ICAO Annexure 17 Cargo security requirements. These standards ensure the safety and security of passengers on international bound aircraft. Secondly, the New Zealand Government needs to address the risks surrounding air cargo security.

Q: What is a Regulated Air Cargo Agent (RACA)?

A: Regulated Air Cargo Agent (RACA) signifies that a business is certified by the New Zealand authorities to handle and ship international export air cargo. This implies that those businesses will have an acceptable process in place for security screening of international air cargo. New Zealand Couriers will be authorised by a Regulated Air Cargo Agent (RACA).

Q: What is a 'known customer'?

A: Under the new Rule 109 requirements, a Regulated Air Cargo Agent (RACA) is required to have in place a number of air cargo security methods and processes. One of these cargo screening methods is to have a list of known and trusted customers on a 'known customer' list. This lists customers who have read and understood the security requirements and have indicated that they will adhere to the rules surrounding international freight.

Q: How do I become a 'known customer'?

A: In order for New Zealand Couriers to be compliant with security requirements for 'known customer' or any other RACA, customers are required to understand the cargo security requirements. Some of these requirements include secured packaging of your shipment and the shipper being aware of the contents of the shipment. To become a 'known customer' you are required to have a current New Zealand Couriers account, have read and understood the security requirements and complete the Know Customer Security Acceptance form. Becoming a 'known customer' ensures the speedy delivery of your freight.

To become a 'known customer' you are required to have a current New Zealand Couriers account, have read and understood the security requirements and complete the Known Customer Security Acceptance form. Becoming a 'known customer' ensures the speedy delivery of your freight.

Q: What happens if I don’t complete the Known Customer Security Acceptance?

A: Under the new Rule 109 requirements, a Regulated Air Cargo Agent (RACA) must have adequate methods for the security screening of international export air cargo. One of these methods includes the use of a 'known customer' list, which requires customers to acknowledge, understand and agree to basic shipping requirements. Being part of the 'known customer' list will ensure that your shipment will be subject to minimal delays. Consignments that are not sent by 'known customers' will be subject to inspection which may result in time delays and possibly incur additional handling charges.

Consignments that are not sent by 'known customers' will be subject to inspection which may result in time delays and possibly incur additional handling charges.

Q: Who do I contact for any further questions or concerns?

A: Information on Rule 109 can be found on the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority's website or by contacting our International Helpdesk on 0800 655 010 or via email.