[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 151 (Tuesday, August 8, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53505-53506]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-16928]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Transportation Security Administration


Opening of Opportunity for Shippers To Register as Certified 
Cargo Screening Facilities

AGENCY: Transportation Security Administration, DHS.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is announcing 
an opportunity for qualified, interested shippers who agree to 
implement

[[Page 53506]]

certain security controls to join the Certified Cargo Screening Program 
(CCSP). This notice provides the procedures necessary to initiate the 
registration process.

DATES: Applicable August 8, 2023.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons can contact [email protected] 
to obtain a copy of the information discussed in this notice.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas Friedman, Industry Engagement 
Manager, Air Cargo Division, Policy Plans and Engagement, TSA; 
Telephone (571) 227-3555; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    TSA is required by law to ensure the adequacy of security measures 
for the transportation of air cargo.\1\ TSA developed the CCSP in 2009 
\2\ to provide additional means of compliance with statutory 
requirements for screening 100 percent of cargo transported on 
passenger aircraft.\3\ The program established a new regulatory 
framework to screen cargo to TSA standards, relieving the air carrier 
of the space, time, and cost pressures associated with screening cargo 
using technical means on airport grounds. Any cargo screening program 
that is compliant with the CCSP regulation meets all national and 
international standards required to transport cargo aboard any 
commercial aircraft, including passenger and all-cargo aircraft. Under 
49 CFR part 1549, all registered CCSFs must operate under the Certified 
Cargo Screening Standard Security Program (CCSSSP).
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    \1\ 49 U.S.C. 44901.
    \2\ 76 FR 51848 (Aug. 18, 2011), codified at 49 CFR part 1549.
    \3\ See 49 U.S.C. 44901(g), added by section 1602 of the 
Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007, 
Public Law 110-53 (121 Stat. 266; Aug. 3, 2007).
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    Since establishment of the CCSP, TSA has recognized other 
capabilities under this regulatory structure. For example, in 2018, TSA 
announced an opportunity for canine providers to become Certified Cargo 
Screening Facilities-Canine (CCSF-K9).\4\ The availability to use CCSF-
K9s to screen cargo was a critical part of TSA's efforts to support 
implementation of a mandate for members of the International Civil 
Aviation Organization (ICAO) to screen 100 percent of air cargo 
transported on international aircraft, with no distinction for 
passenger versus all-cargo aircraft, beginning June 30, 2021. CCSF-K9s 
are required to comply with the security program issued under the 
authority of 49 CFR part 1549.
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    \4\ See 83 FR 60883 (Nov. 27, 2018).
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    TSA has also historically recognized Shipper-CCSFs.\5\ Shipper-
CCSFs are manufacturers who apply the security controls required under 
the CCSP in the course of manufacturing or packaging their products, 
who can directly transfer their manufactured goods or products to an 
aircraft operator without a requirement for additional screening. Cargo 
tendered by a Shipper-CCSF may be transported on any commercial 
aircraft. Many medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturers operate 
today as Shipper CCSFs. The CCSP--including CCSFs, CCSFs-K9 and 
Shipper-CCSFs--is fully compliant with ICAO requirements for air cargo. 
TSA has approved Shipper-CCSFs when requested, but has never fully 
integrated these operations into the CCSSSP.
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    \5\ See, e.g., 01 FR 26229 (May 13, 2021), 30-day notice for 
information collection under 49 CFR part 1548, ``the CCSP allows 
shippers, indirect air carriers, and other entities to voluntarily 
participate in a program through which TSA certifies entities to 
screen air cargo off-airport before it is tendered to air carriers 
for transport on passenger aircraft.'' (emphasis added)
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II. How To Become a Registered CCSF

    TSA has decided to streamline its security programs by 
incorporating procedures for Shipper CCSFs into the CCSSSP and, through 
this notice, ensuring broad announcement of this opportunity for 
shippers to register to operate as CCSFs. To operate as a CCSF, a 
shipper must register with TSA's CCSSSP office and be approved as a 
holder of the CCSSSP. The security program includes the requirements to 
become a CCSF and, as applicable to shippers and manufacturers, the 
operational requirements for screening their own products during the 
course of manufacturing and packaging, and to screen other air cargo 
items to national and international security standards.
    TSA is publishing this notice to ensure all interested persons are 
aware of the opportunity to become a CCSF. To initiate the registration 
process, shippers must send an email indicating their interest to the 
email address identified above under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT 
and TSA will respond with additional information regarding the 
application requirements, including the required procedures to obtain 
access to Sensitive Security Information (SSI) pursuant to 49 CFR part 
1520. Once TSA approves the applicant's access to SSI, TSA will provide 
a copy of the CCSSSP, which includes the detailed requirements for an 
application to become a CCSF. In general, each applicant must submit 
the information required by 49 CFR 1549.7(a)(1). Each applicant also 
must undergo an onsite corporate assessment performed by TSA. TSA will 
use this information to evaluate the applicant's qualifications and 
readiness to participate in the CCSP.
    The shipper may commence operations as a CCSF under the security 
program after it receives written approval from TSA that all of TSA's 
requirements are met. As a CCSF, the shipper could directly transfer 
cargo to an aircraft operator without requiring additional screening. A 
new registration under the CCSP is effective for 36 months from the 
date of approval.

    Dated: August 3, 2023.
Eddie D. Mayenschein,
Assistant Administrator, Policy, Plans, and Engagement.
[FR Doc. 2023-16928 Filed 8-7-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-05-P