ACC3, RA3, OR KC3 (EU/UK) REQUIREMENTS
IMPLEMENTATION OF ACC3, RA3, OR KC3 (EU/UK) REQUIREMENTS
To comply with EU/UK regulations, air carriers must develop an ACC3 Security Program. This involves implementing standards and security measures that adhere to the current EU/UK regulatory requirements (EU/UK Regulations) when transporting Air Cargo or Air Mail into the European Union from a Third Country Airport. Similar requirements apply to Ground Handling Operators (RA3) and Known Consigners (KC3).
Air carriers from "Green List" countries (as defined by EU/UK Member States) are exempt from these requirements when departing for the European Union/UK.
A fundamental aspect of the regulations' security requirements is that all cargo or mail must be screened or originate from a secure supply chain before being loaded onto an aircraft bound for the European Union/UK. It is important to consider the relevance of third parties (RA3, KC3) when establishing your individual security program.
An ACC3, RA3, or KC3 must appoint a person responsible for implementing cargo or mail security provisions for the relevant cargo operation. This individual must sign a "Declaration of Commitment," which outlines their duties in detail.
For a successful Validation, an internal security quality assurance program must be in place at all stations. The Security Manual and relevant documents should be provided to the EU/UK Aviation Security Validator in advance to facilitate a smooth EU/UK-Validation process.
CONTACT YOUR APPROPRIATE EU/UK AUTHORITY (ROAD MAP)
EU/UK regulations require that airlines providing cargo and/or mail services to or via the EU from stations in White List and Red List countries must be certified at these stations through an on-site ACC3-, RA3-, or KC3 Validation to achieve the official ACC3-, RA3-, KC3- status. This status lasts a maximum of 5 years for ACC3 and 3 years for RA3/KC3, and must be renewed.
If an airline serves more than 3 ACC3/RA3/KC3 stations, it is entitled to prepare a roadmap specifying the proposed stations (with reasons for selection) and defining a timeline for their verification. This roadmap must be submitted to the appropriate European Union Authority, which will assess and approve it or require changes before approval.
Contact STRAITS AVIATION to find out the appropriate EU member states/UK Authority for your airline.
ORDER VALIDATION - EU/UK AVIATION SECURITY VALIDATOR
Once the appropriate authority has agreed to the roadmap and/or the EU/UK-Validation, the ACC3/RA3/KC3 must select and contract an EU/UK-certified Aviation Security Validator to perform the official on-site EU/UK Validation.
Only accredited EU/UK Aviation Security Validators approved by the EU-Commission can perform an ACC3/RA3/KC3 Validation. STRAITS AVIATION will provide global validation services through its accredited team of EU/UK Aviation Security Validators.
Contact STRAITS AVIATION for a quote for ACC3/RA3/KC3 Validation.
PREDOCUMENTATION AND PROGRAM CHECK
STRAITS AVIATION recommends a preliminary document check before on-site verification. This involves providing the airline with a comprehensive checklist of documentation to be assessed before the on-site inspection. While not mandatory, this process is a central component of our quality assurance structure and saves customer time and money by ensuring that no time or resources are wasted during on-site inspections.
TRAVEL
STRAITS AVIATION follows a transparent, cost-effective policy for validation travel, creating synergies where possible. STRAITS AVIATION provides customers with a travel checklist and agrees on costs and logistics in advance.
ON-SITE VALIDATION
EU/UK-ACC3/RA3/KC3 Validators performing the Validation are chosen based on local language skills, specific industry knowledge, and other factors. STRAITS AVIATION guarantees time-efficient and cost-effective validation with minimal impact on operations. Under certain preconditions, a Desktop Validation may apply, but this must be approved in advance by the respective EU/UK appropriate Authority.
EU/UK REPORT
Following the on-site or desktop validation, the STRAITS AVIATION assigned Aviation Security Validator will issue a full report per EU/UK regulations and provide it to the customer for comments. After the "double signature" procedure, the EU/UK Aviation Security Validator will lodge the report with the appropriate EU/UK authority for final assessment.
OFFICIAL ACC3/RA3/KC3 STATUS APPROVAL
If the appropriate authority is satisfied with the validation report, the ACC3/RA3/KC3 status will be officially granted. The status is valid once the EU/UK appropriate Authority has allocated the UAI (unique alphanumeric identifier) and listed your entity as an ACC3, RA3, or KC3 in the EU/UK Database in its standard format.
VALIDITY AND RE-VALIDATION PERIOD
The validity period of the granted Status is determined by the respective EU/UK Member State Authority. Once the ACC3/RA3/KC3 Certificate expires, a Re-Validation must be performed in due time to maintain the status.