EU Legislation concerning ACC3 RA3 KC3

Air carriers flying cargo and mail into the EU from non-EU countries are required to comply with EU regulations for the security standards concerning the loading of an aircraft bound for all EU countries. The designation “Air Cargo or Mail Carrier is given to the entities operating into the Union from a Third Country Airport (ACC3). To gain ACC3, an airline must acquire EU Aviation Security Validation which are performed by an Independent Validator that has been accredited by the EU and Member State in which the ACC3 application has been made. A successful validation is maximum valid for 5 years or 60 months. The same validation process applies for Ground Handling Operators (RA3) or shippers - Known Consignor (KC3). A successful validation RA3 KC3) is maximum valid for 3 years or 36 months.

RA3 KC3 validation process:

In order to receive the RA3 KC3 designation a forwarding agent, ground handling agent Regulated Agent or shipper (Known Consignor) must contact an EU Aviation Security Validator to conduct an on-site validation. All approved EU validators are registered in the EU. After agreement with the Validator the necessary documentation is shared to prepare for a successful validation. After the preparations the on-site validation will take place based on the checklist in EU regulation 2015/1998.

If the on-site validation is successful, then the Validator will write a validation report and subject to the approval (or rejection) by the EU/Member state authority will grant the RA3 KC3 designation for 3 years or 36 months. The validation report of the forwarding agent can be submitted to the ground handling agent (RA3) and the validation report of the ground handling agent can be submitted to the air carrier (ACC3) in order to be a part of the EU validated supply chain.

A shipper (Known Consignor) or a Regulated Agent does not need to be approved by the local CAA on ICAO standards for receiving RA3 or KC3 designation. The RA3 and KC3 designation can only be used for secure transport of cargo post or mail to or through the EU.

Confidential information in detail of the program regarding ACC3 RA3 KC3 validations will only be sent by means of a RFQ process only upon written request and if shown on forehand of the possess of a Netherlands declaration of no objection (VGB) and valid (Passport / EU ID).

No response to Acquisition requests.