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Air Cargo Supply Chain Security - Definition & Meaning | Logistics Glossary

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GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 16, 2026

Air Cargo Supply Chain Security

When a freight forwarder hands over a shipment to the carrier, a multi-layered security system takes effect – designed to prevent unauthorized, prohibited, or dangerous items from being loaded onto an aircraft.

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When a freight forwarder hands over a shipment to the carrier, a multi-layered security system takes effect – designed to prevent unauthorized, prohibited, or dangerous items from being loaded onto…

Air cargo supply chain security covers physical screening of shipments, access controls at cargo terminals, chain-of-custody documentation, and vetting of known consignors and regulated agents.

The international framework is anchored in ICAO Annex 17 standards, implemented through programmes such as the EU's Known Consignor scheme, the US Certified Cargo Screening Program, and IATA's…

Last updated: 16 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://www.icao.int/security/Pages/AviationSecurity.aspx

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Air Cargo Supply Chain Security

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Definition & Explanation

When a freight forwarder hands over a shipment to the carrier, a multi-layered security system takes effect – designed to prevent unauthorized, prohibited, or dangerous items from being loaded onto an aircraft. Air cargo supply chain security covers physical screening of shipments, access controls at cargo terminals, chain-of-custody documentation, and vetting of known consignors and regulated agents. The international framework is anchored in ICAO Annex 17 standards, implemented through programmes such as the EU's Known Consignor scheme, the US Certified Cargo Screening Program, and IATA's Dangerous Goods Regulations (IATA-DGR) for hazardous materials. Certified companies can pre-screen cargo on their own premises, reducing handling delays at the terminal. In the customs context, these security requirements align closely with the criteria for Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status.

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Recommended format: Source: Freight Academy – Air Cargo Supply Chain Security (https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/air-cargo-supply-chain-security), accessed 2026-09-26
APA style: Freight Academy Editorial Team. (2025). Air Cargo Supply Chain Security. Freight Academy. https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/air-cargo-supply-chain-security
BibTeX: @misc{aircargosupply2025, title = {Air Cargo Supply Chain Security}, author = {{Freight Academy Editorial Team}}, year = {2025}, url = {https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/air-cargo-supply-chain-security}, note = {Freight Academy, accessed 2026-09-26} }

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