In the world of air freight, one of the most critical aspects is transporting goods safely and securely. The aviation industry has established a set of guidelines and regulations aimed at preventing the illegal transportation of hazardous materials and other security threats.
Known Consignors are companies who meet these guidelines and can therefore bypass certain security checks. Being a Known Consignor (KC) can benefit businesses in a number of ways.
Read on to discover why being a Known Consignor is so important, and how it can impact your international logistics.
What is a Known Consignor?
A Known Consignor is essentially a company that has been approved by a national aviation authority. They have the authorisation to send goods by air freight without having to undergo additional security checks.
To become Known Consignors, businesses have to meet stringent security requirements set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in a 2013 EU directive. The directive continues to be an essential part of international logistics for any businesses looking to ship goods by air freight.
If you’re interested in taking part in the Known Consignor scheme, your business will need to undergo a comprehensive security assessment. A qualified security inspector will evaluate your facilities, personnel, and security procedures to ensure they meet the ICAO and IATA security standards. The evaluation will show the inspector whether or not your business has the necessary security measures in place to prevent unauthorised access to sensitive cargo.
After your security assessment has been completed, your company will receive a Known Consignor certificate. The certificate is valid for two years. After that period has passed, you’ll need to undergo a new assessment to achieve Known Consignor status again.
Is being a Known Consignor mandatory?
No, it’s not a legal requirement to be a Known Consignor. The Known Consignor scheme is a voluntary program set up to increase the level of security in air freight. If your company isn’t a Known Consignor, you can still transport goods by air freight. You could consider getting support from a third-party logistics company (3PL), such as AMCO.
As Known Consignors, we can ship cargo directly from our approved facility to the airlines without the need for any further security measures. Feel free to get in touch if you’d like to learn more about our services.
Why is being a Known Consignor so important for businesses that ship goods by air?
Whether you undergo checks to become a Known Consignor yourself or you seek third-party support, the scheme can bring some essential advantages.
It can save you time and money
Firstly, Known Consignors can save considerable amounts of time and money. Because you’ll already have approval, you can bypass time-consuming security screening processes. This, in turn, reduces the risk of delays and can improve your business turnover.
Being a KC can support your reputation
The designation of “Known Consignor” is also a symbol of quality and trust. It shows that your company has met the highest security standards set by the aviation industry. This can help boost customer confidence in your ability to transport goods safely and securely.
It can reduce the risk of non-compliance fines
Although KC isn’t mandatory, it can be incredibly important for companies involved in transporting dangerous or hazardous goods. Any business that handles these sorts of materials must adhere to strict regulations. If you don’t comply with these regulations, you could run the risk of severe fines and penalties.
By becoming a Known Consignor, however, you can showcase your commitment to safety and security and ensure you comply fully.
Logistics, warehousing and distribution services from AMCO
In the ever-evolving world of international logistics, keeping up with regulations and best practices can seem daunting. Fortunately, the AMCO team is here to help streamline your processes and reduce the risk of non-compliance fines.
Any business that transports cargo by air freight can benefit greatly from the Known Consignor scheme. Whether you opt to undergo the security assessment yourself or get support from a third-party logistics company, it can ensure your transportation process is safe, secure, and compliant. As well as saving you time and money, KC can boost your company reputation and increase annual turnover.
To learn more about our Known Consignor services, feel free to get in touch with the AMCO team today. Alternatively, why not explore our warehousing and distribution services?