DHS Increases Security Measures for Air Cargo

11/12/2010

In response to attempts to conceal and ship explosive devises on board aircraft bound for the United States, the Department of Homeland Security increased security measures, effective November 8, 2010. Napolitano stated that the increased security measures are designed to reflect recent intelligence. Restrictions include a ground halt on all cargo coming from Yemen and Somalia. Transportation Security Administration officials have visited Yemen in an attempt to assist in enhancing Yemen’s security procedures. The Administration is also working to expedite the receipt of cargo manifests before departure for international flight to the United States, as well as to expand layered detections systems.

New Security Measures, Effective November 8, 2010:

• Ground halt on cargo from Yemen and Somalia
• Ban on air cargo from Yemen and Somalia
• No high risk cargo allowed on passenger aircraft
• Ban on toner and ink cartridges in carry-on bags
• High risk cargo must go through additional screening
• International mail packages must be screened individually and certified to have come from an established postal shipper