[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 17 (Tuesday, January 27, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3939-3940]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-1615]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Transportation Security Administration


All-Cargo International Security Procedures for Foreign Air 
Carriers

AGENCY: Transportation Security Administration (TSA), DHS.

ACTION: Notice of issuance.

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SUMMARY: TSA is providing notice that we have issued All-Cargo 
International Security Procedures to all foreign air carriers that 
perform all-cargo operations to, from, within, or overflying the United 
States that are not otherwise regulated under title 49 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations part 1546, Foreign Air Carrier Security. TSA has 
issued these procedures to respond to vulnerabilities in air cargo 
security.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Baker, TSA-7, Office of 
Aviation Operations, Transportation Security Administration HQ, 3rd 
Floor, East Building, 601 South 12th Street, Arlington, VA 22202-4220; 
telephone (571) 227-3506, facsimile (571) 227-1947, e-mail 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On November 17, 2003, the Department of 
Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued 
All-Cargo International Security Procedures (ACISP) for foreign air 
carriers that perform all-cargo operations using aircraft with a 
maximum certificated takeoff weight of

[[Page 3940]]

12,500 pounds or more, to, from, within, or overflying the United 
States that are not otherwise regulated under title 49 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations (49 CFR) part 1546. TSA issued the ACISP pursuant 
to 49 CFR 1550.7, to respond to vulnerabilities in air cargo security.
    The term ``overflying'' includes any flight departing from an 
airport or other location outside the United States, its territories or 
possessions, which transits the territorial airspace of the United 
States enroute to an airport or other location outside the United 
States, its territories, or possessions. The territorial airspace of 
the United States includes the airspace over the United States, its 
territories and possessions, and the airspace overlying the territorial 
waters between the U.S. coast and 12 nautical miles from the U.S. 
coast.
    The U.S. Intelligence Community continues to receive and evaluate a 
high volume of reporting indicating possible threats against U.S. 
interests. This reporting, combined with recent terrorist attacks, has 
created an atmosphere of concern. While the ability to conduct 
multiple, near simultaneous attacks against several targets is not new 
for such terrorist groups as Al-Qaeda, the manner in which these 
attacks are being conducted indicates refined capabilities and 
sophisticated tactics. The Department of Homeland Security remains 
concerned about Al-Qaeda's continued interest in aviation, including 
using cargo jets to carry out attacks on critical infrastructure. In 
recognition of this threat, TSA has made a determination that these 
circumstances require immediate action to ensure safety in air 
transportation.
    The ACISP includes requirements that the foreign air carrier must 
conduct random inspections of certain air cargo, verify the identities 
of persons with access to these flights, ensure the security of the 
aircraft, and have in place procedures to respond to certain threats. 
Affected foreign air carriers must implement the procedures set forth 
in the ACISP which is available by contacting Mr. Robert Baker at the 
Transportation Security Administration: telephone (571) 227-3506, 
facsimile (571) 227-1947, e-mail [email protected]. The ACISP is an 
interim measure to respond to the concerns set forth above.

    Issued in Arlington, Virginia, January 20, 2004.
David M. Stone,
Acting Administrator.
[FR Doc. 04-1615 Filed 1-26-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-62-P