Air cargo security

​​​​​​​​To ensure the safety and security of Australian international and domestic air services, air cargo in Australia is examined before it is loaded onto an aircraft.

The air cargo sector is regulated by the Australian Government, consistent with international standards. This means the sector must follow rules and procedures to maintain the security of air cargo. If you are sending goods as air cargo, the air cargo sector will ensure that the goods are security cleared to be loaded onto an aircraft.

Air cargo security schemes

To secure the air cargo supply chain, the following air cargo security schemes are available to freight businesses that:

• handle, transport or store cleared air cargo - Accredited Air Cargo Agent (AACA) scheme​
• examine and clear air cargo under an examination notice - Regulated Air Cargo Agent (RACA) scheme 
  
• originate (make, manufacture, assemble or otherwise produce) air cargo allowing it to be cleared at its point of origin - Known Consignor Scheme​.
  

Security awareness training

As a regulated or accredited air cargo agent, or a known consignor, you must provide your employees and contractors with A​ir cargo security awareness training.

Examination officer training and accreditation

Air cargo examination officers must be accredited to examine air cargo for a RACA business.

The Screener Accreditation Scheme strengthens the education and training requirements for screening and air cargo examination officers.

It ensures a nationally consistent approach to screening and examination standards across Australia.

Find out more about accreditation requirements in Screener Accreditation Scheme.​

Prohibited air cargo​

The Australian Government has imposed air cargo prohibitions that prevent or restrict the movement of air cargo into Australia from specific countries of concern.

Find out more about Air cargo prohibitions​​.