Safer and Faster: Singapore’s Known Consignor Regime

It would appear that shippers are in delay to apply for Singapore Known Consignor Regime (KCR). The deadline is 30th April 2021 to submit the application to the Singapore Airport Police Division. KCR is a security measure to further enhance air cargo security on commercial aircrafts from global terrorist threat. This is a requirement by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). It will mean that any cargo transported on commercial aircraft will be subjected to security measures before loading onto an aircraft.

Cargo from KCR shippers, once cleared, shall be protected from interference or contamination until they are loaded onto the aircraft.

The Singapore Police Force, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry Of Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore have been consulting and working closely with the industry to prepare for the KCR.

Tony Lugg, Former Chairman of TAPA APAC, said “Manufacturers and shippers who apply for the KCR will enjoy random screening of their known cargo as they would have already adopted an acceptable level of security in their business operations. Consignors who do not register as KCs may continue their current operations but their entire cargo consignments could be subjected to full security measures at the airfreight terminals. This could impact shipping costs and cut off time needed to make the flight operations.”

In order to apply and qualify as a Known Consignor, the consignor:

1. Must be a legal entity registered in Singapore
2. Required to implement a security programme, detailing security measures and procedures across its entire supply chain including the manufacturing, packing, storage and transportation of cargo; or

Possesses any of the following industry-recognised security certificate together with a copy of the assessment checklist and relevant supporting documents:

• Singapore Customs: Secure Trade Partnership (STP) / Secure Trade Partnership Plus (STP-Plus);
• Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA): Air Cargo Security Standards Level 1;
• United States: Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) Tier 2 or Tier 3

Tony Lugg added “Companies who digitalise and/or automate the shipping processes may qualify for Government grants where improvements in efficiencies/productivity can be demonstrated. An excellent opportunity for SMEs to leverage on Government support to enhance their operational productivity, whilst ensuring they meet the KCR requirements.”

For further information on the KCR programme, please contact Tony Lugg at tony@lscms.org.