More stringent air-side ID checks to come into force on 1 July

Thousands of Australians servicing aviation, including freight forwarders and airport staff, will soon be subject to federal background checks, with new laws covering US-bound cargo coming into effect on 1 July 2017.
Since 2005, individuals working unescorted in airport security zones have been required to obtain and display Aviation Security Identification Cards (ASIC) as proof of having undergone a valid background check.
New Federal laws coming into effect on 1 July will require many new classifications of workers supporting the aviation industry – such as freight forwarders and known consigners – to possess higher level security ID, if operations involve US-bound air cargo.
Australian technology company Veritas has received Federal Government authorisation to provide ASICs for individuals supporting the aviation sector.
Stephen Inouye, Managing Director, Veritas, said, “This milestone enables Veritas to extend our technology-enabled security registration services from the maritime and offshore sectors to the aviation sector, thereby helping companies achieve compliance with minimal impacts to operations.”
Inouye noted that from July, only white ASIC holders will be permitted to handle and screen Australian cargo bound for the US.
“Veritas has the systems in place ready to assist thousands of airport staff and freight contractors who, potentially, now need to urgently undertake background checks in order to receive their white ASIC to make sure freight is on planes bound for the US in time,” he said.
“The Office of Transport Security – administered by the Federal Government’s Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development – has identified 11,000 companies which could be impacted. Many Australian employees, particularly of logistics companies and transport operators, may now need white ASIC cards.”