Aviation security for cargo from 1 January 2021

Measures in place to ensure cargo can fly to and from the EU without disruption from 1 January 2021.

The UK has left the EU

This page tells you what you’ll need to do from 1 January 2021. It’ll be updated if anything changes.

You can also read about the transition period.

Cargo from the EU to the UK

The UK intends to recognise EU cargo security rules to minimise disruption to air cargo networks. Airlines flying from airports in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein will be able to fly cargo to the UK in the same way as they do now.

Cargo from the UK to the EU

The EU intends to recognise the UK cargo security regime allowing cargo to continue to fly into the EU.

Cargo will be able to fly from the UK to the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein without a security designation, in the same way as it does now.

Cargo from the rest of the world into the UK

Airlines from the rest of the world must have a special security designation to fly cargo into the EU and the UK as part of the ACC3 programme.

UK only inbound cargo scheme will be set up to make sure security standards are not affected. This will mirror the EU scheme and grant security designations from 1 January 2021 to allow all cargo to continue to ship smoothly while maintaining existing security standards.

Regulations and standards

Existing aviation security regulations and procedures will be incorporated into UK law.

The EU intends to recognise the UK aviation security regime and include the UK in its One Stop Security system so that cargo screened in the UK will not have to undergo additional security checks on arrival in the EU.

Published 25 February 2020
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