Frequently Asked Questions
The Australian Government has developed the following questions and answers to assist you in understanding the AACA Scheme.
They are based on our experience of what potential AACAs, Regulated Air Cargo Agents (RACAs) and other interested parties want to know.- Definitions
- Overview
- Accreditation
- Training
- Coverage of the Regulations
- Benefits
- Compliance
- More information
- Contacts
Get Ahead. Get Accredited. Become an AACA.
1. Definitions
AACA
An AACA is an Accredited Air Cargo Agent.
AACA Security Program
The AACA Security Program details security measures and procedures that AACAs must implement.
Cargo/Air Cargo
Cargo/Air cargo is cargo that is transported, or is intended to be transported, by aircraft. This is often indicated by:
- The presence of a dangerous goods declaration and/or a statement of contents for the cargo; and/or
- A distant destination with a short delivery time.
RACA
A RACA is a Regulated Air Cargo Agent. RACAs operate under the existing RACA Scheme.
2. Overview
What is the AACA Scheme?
The Accredited Air Cargo Agent (AACA) Scheme aims to enhance the security of cargo to be carried on an aircraft. It extends the existing Regulated Air Cargo Agent (RACA) Scheme to cover smaller operators with less complex business operations, such as couriers and contract drivers. Both Schemes apply to cargo to be carried on an aircraft domestically and internationally from anywhere in Australia.
How does the AACA Scheme differ from the RACA Scheme?
The Regulated Air Cargo Agent (RACA) Scheme is a program which has, since 1996, set security requirements for businesses that handle or make arrangements for cargo. It focuses on medium and larger sized businesses that store and handle cargo prior to transport on an aircraft. RACAs will continue to adhere to the security requirements outlined in their TSP.
Who can participate in the AACA Scheme?
Businesses in the cargo supply chain who transport cargo and are not regulated under the RACA Scheme can participate in the scheme.
Why is the AACA Scheme required?
The Scheme helps to protect the Australian transport industry, individual transporters and the aviation industry from terrorist attacks. The Scheme also helps Australia to meet international obligations to provide a more secure aviation industry by creating a more secure supply chain.
Are other countries operating similar schemes?
The Australian Government is working with other countries, including our major trading partners, to enhance and harmonise cargo security requirements.
Has there been consultation with the transportation industry?
Yes. The Australian Government has consulted closely with industry and will continue to do so throughout the implementation of the AACA Scheme. The Department of Infrastructure has carried out two rounds of formal industry research, held over 20 industry workshops and has worked closely with your industry representatives on the Government facilitated Air Cargo Working Group.
Where does the AACA Scheme operate?
The AACA Scheme operates across Australia.
When does the AACA Scheme begin?
Accreditation under the Scheme is expected to commence in August 2010.
3. Accreditation
How do you become an AACA?
- Register your interest.
- When the Scheme commences, you will be asked to formally apply to become an AACA;
- Your application will be approved online and a Security Program will be generated automatically;
- You can then print off your Security Program and keep it in a safe place;
- Once you have fulfilled the online training within six weeks of approval, accreditation will be complete.
- If you do not have access to a computer, please call 1300 512 809 and we will send you an application kit.
Once you become an AACA, you will be required to comply with the AACA Security Program. You will also be subject to regular compliance and audit checks by the Office of Transport Security.
Do you need to register?
Yes. It is best that you do, so that we can send you an application as soon as possible.
How do you register?
Via the registration form.
Does it cost to become an AACA?
There is no cost for accreditation but you may incur compliance costs.
How long will you remain accredited?
You will remain accredited for as long as you implement the AACA Security Program and continue to fulfil the accreditation requirements. You will need to confirm your business details every year.
4. Training
Who will need to be trained?
To maintain accreditation of your business, you will need to make sure employees are security trained. A nominated security contact from your business will need to complete our online security awareness training within 6 weeks of accreditation. Also, every person who handles and/or transports cargo for you will be required to carry out the same security awareness training module.
How do you complete the security awareness training?
Once you are accredited, your business will provided with access to on-line training.
5. Coverage of the Regulations
The Australian Government will introduce new regulatory changes in 2010 which will enable AACAs to do business with RACAs when transporting air cargo.
Who should consider becoming an AACA?
Businesses that transport cargo but do not operate premises where air cargo is handled or stored should consider becoming AACAs, unless they are currently RACAs.
How do you check if you are already a RACA?
The Office of Transport Security publishes a list of businesses currently designated as RACAs. To check if your business is a RACA visit the RACA list.
How can you find out if the AACA or RACA Schemes apply to you?
Complete the Self-Identification quiz.
How do you know if you are carrying air cargo?
It can be difficult to determine whether your goods will be classified as air cargo. Three indicators are:
- The presence of a dangerous goods declaration and/or a statement of contents for the cargo;
- The presence of a security declaration form;
- A distant destination with a short delivery time.
6. Benefits
Will becoming an AACA benefit you and your business?
You and your business will benefit in a number of ways:
-
As a regulated business you can handle air cargo for RACAs securely, which could provide you with new business opportunities compared to unregulated operators.
-
As an AACA you will only have security obligations that are relevant to your operations, without the complexity of becoming a RACA.
-
Cargo from businesses that are not AACAs or RACAs will have much stricter security measures applied. By being an AACA you will prevent delays in air cargo delivery and save on air cargo examination costs.
-
When you complete the AACA training you will have a recognised, portable qualification at no charge.
-
You will reduce the risk of unauthorised items, especially explosives, being inserted into air cargo and minimise the risk of theft.
-
A major aviation security incident in Australia would damage the transport industry and individual participants. You can help prevent this occurring by becoming an AACA and complying with your AACA Security Program.
Once you become an AACA, you will be required to comply with the AACA Security Program. You will also be subject to regular compliance and audit checks by the Office of Transport Security.
7. Compliance
What is required from AACAs?
You will need to implement security measures in your security program including:
- Completing security training;
- Checking sender identity;
- Checking cargo for tampering;
- Controlling access to cargo during transport;
- Transferring cargo securely;
- Completing security documentation;
- Reporting suspicious activity.
When will you receive your Security Program?
Once you have completed your application online, you can simply print out your accreditation certificate and your security program and keep it in a safe place.
Dont worry if you do not have access to the internet, simply call 1300 512 809 and we will send you an Accreditation Kit to fill in and return to us. We will post your accreditation certificate and your security program to you.
What happens if you do not comply with the Security Program?
You will need to follow the security measures in your AACA Security Program. If you do not follow these you will be in breach of the Regulations and may be fined. The Office of Transport Security implements an audit and compliance program which will include checking if your business is applying the required security measures.
8. More information
How can you sign-up to receive the Air Cargo Security News e-Bulletin?
When you register, you will automatically receive the e-Bulletin. We have created this electronic bulletin to:
- inform you of the latest issues and changes to legislation;
- help you achieve your security obligations.
- You can expect to receive regular e-Bulletins and ad-hoc bulletins as important issues arise. We want this e-Bulletin to be useful and informative. Please feel free to provide any feedback or suggestions to AACA@infrastructure.gov.au.
9. Contacts
You can contact us via:
Email: AACA@infrastructure.gov.au
Web: feedback form
Phone: 1300 512 809
