TRADE NEWS UPDATES
The United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) decided not to proceed with their December 31, 2011 deadline for 100% screening of inbound cargo to the US
The TSA announced their decision on 4 October to not enforce their December 31st 2011 deadline for 100% screening of cargo on international passenger aircraft bound for the United States.
This decision was positively received by the entire air cargo industry including FIATA and its Airfreight Institute.
The U-turn was the consequence of TSA’s careful consideration of industry comments and a thorough examination of the unique challenges facing international cargo screening. TSA will continue to work towards meeting the statutory requirement for 100% screening but TSA representatives were optimistic that they will soon have agreements with nations that ship more than 90% of air cargo to the U.S. For more information on TSA 100% screening initiative please visit:
http://www.ifw-net.com/freightpubs/ifw/article.htm?artid=20017909532&src=rss
Danske Bank’s Freight Forwarding Index results for the month of September
According to Danske Bank’s Freight Forwarding Index, which was up to 53, from 46 in August, the European Freight Forwarding sector saw modest growth in September. Both sea and road freight saw an increase in volumes handled in September, indicating an increase in demand.
The air freight index also improved: although at 47, it indicates lower volumes handled in September than two months ago. The country breakdown for September saw Germany gain a significant increase in current volumes (42 in August to 69 in September), as well as expectations. The UK saw volumes remain almost flat and expectations decline while Switzerland saw a significant fall in both current volumes (57 in August to 40 in September) and expectations. For more information on Danske Bank’s Freight Forwarding Index and expectation please visit: http://www.ifw-net.com/freightpubs/ifw/index/modest-volume-growth-in-europe-last-month/20017908812.htm
IATA releases the 53rd edition Dangerous Goods Regulations. What’s inside?
This 53rd edition of the Dangerous Goods Regulation (DGR) will reflect the addenda issued by ICAO which revised the 2011-2012 edition of the Technical Instructions, as well as changes agreed by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board.
Changes in the 53rd DGR include: additional recommendations to operators regarding documented policies, incorporation of new special provisions that reinforce that certain substances and articles must be packed in UN specification packaging and the DGR also revises packing instructions applicable to lithium batteries. For a complete list of changes in the 53rd edition of the DGR, please visit the FIATA website under IATA Downloads: http://www.fiata.com/index.php?id=433
