The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says that it is now screening 100 percent of all cargo aboard domestic passenger aircraft. This was a key requirement of the 2007 Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act (the 9/11 Act) which was enacted in response to the terror attacks of 2001.

The TSA had until 1 August, 2010 to comply with the mandate. According to the agency, the screening process involves the government, cargo and aviation industries working together to create a multi-tiered approach to cargo security. Procedures have been established for what the TSA refers to as known and established shippers since it is not possible to effectively screen all cargo at the departure airport without creating a logjam.

Is remotely screened cargo destined for your flight safe enough? According to a TSA press release, the agency created the Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP), which allows certified facilities across the country to screen cargo before it reaches the airport. CCSP facilities must be approved by TSA and adhere to strict security standards, including physical access controls, personnel security, and screening of prospective employees and contractors. A secure chain of custody must also be established from the screening facility to the aircraft.

Since 2008, all checked luggage and all cargo placed on narrow-body aircraft have been screened in the U.S., but the TSA faces a bigger challenge on a part of the mandate yet to be fulfilled – screening all cargo bound for the U.S. In the press release, the TSA said that it is also continuing its work to improve cargo security on passenger flights originating in other countries. TSA requires 100 percent of high risk cargo to undergo security screening and has increased the requirements for overall cargo screening. The agency may implement a similar concept of the known shipper procedures whereby it could acknowledge foreign cargo screening procedures that meet U.S. standards.

What do you think? Do you feel that cargo put on passenger aircraft is sufficiently screened?