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FAQ - Frequent Asked Questions
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If I have specific questions that this website has not been able
to answer, to whom should I direct them?
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Because of the flood of questions we are expecting, we ask you to
send specific questions in writing to
questions known-consignors.com
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Who has to be certified as a “known consignor”?
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Every forwarding company can decide according to its needs whether
it would like to apply for certification as a “known consignor”.
Companies in the airfreight transport and supply chain can handle
and ship freight from “known consignors” through “regulated agents”
using simplified checking processes at the airport.
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Is it compulsory to apply for certification/an extension of the
status
of a “known consignor”?
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No! This is a voluntary certification process. Freight from “unknown
consignors” will continue to be checked as normal at the airport (subject
to fee).
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When does the new procedure come into force?
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From April 2008, all companies wishing to achieve “known consignor”
status are subject to inspection by an “independent validator”
appointed by the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA), the
organization that awards certifications.
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Who can become a “known consignor”?
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Certification as a “known consignor” is reserved for institutional
consignors. Forwarding companies and individuals cannot become
“known consignors”.
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What forms the legal basis for the procedure to become
a “known consignor”?
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In Switzerland, the basis is the DETEC decree of 31 March 1993
regarding aviation security measures (VSL). In accordance with
general EU Regulation No. 2320/2002 and EU Regulation No. 831/2006,
chapter 6.4, all EU Member States, as well as Norway, Iceland and
Switzerland must implement the criteria for “known consignors” by 1
March 2009.
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What is the procedure for existing “known consignors”?
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A transition solution has been designed for existing “known
consignors”. This is explained in a letter to all existing “known
consignors”. More information is available under “Procedures” and
“Downloads” (Letter to “known consignors”).
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How much does certification as a “known consignor” cost?
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The costs of certification comprise the investments needed to
implement the requisite security measures and the certification
procedure as such. The certification procedure costs between CHF
8000.- and 12,000.- for the first five years; as stated under
“Procedure“ it includes a one-day training for the security officer,
verification of the security program, inspection and issue of the
certificate. This sum is payable once every five years.
The precise amounts will be determined after registration in the
light of specific features of each business. The criteria are the
number of participants in the course for security officers,
shortcomings in implementation, discipline in compliance with the
criteria, complexity of the infrastructure and processes etc.
Your independent validator will be happy to submit an appropriate
offer. For this purpose, the application form must be submitted
under “Registration”.
Please send enquiries in writing to
infoknown-consignors.com
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What is the cost of checking the freight at the airport?
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The airlines are responsible for these checks. They employ handling
agents (at the airport) to carry out the freight checks. The
handling agents charge the costs associated with these checks to the
airlines, who in turn charge the forwarding agents, who in turn
charge the shipping agents. The costs therefore vary according to
airline, handling agent, airport, forwarding agent service, etc. A
suitable guide price would be between CHF 90 and CHF 150 per
shippment or CHF 150 per tonne
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What is a “known consignor”?
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A “known consignor” is a consignor who exports goods via airfreight
in its own name, having proved that it has implemented and continues
to monitor the necessary security measures.
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What is an “independent validator”?
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An “independent validator” is an inspector appointed by FOCA to make
sure that applicants to be “known consignors” have implemented the
necessary security measures for certification and continue to do so
once certification has been awarded.
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What is a “regulated agent”?
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A “regulated agent” is a forwarding agent that can prove it has
implemented and continues to uphold the necessary security measures.
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What role does the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA)
play?
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FOCA is the Swiss national regulator and confirms certification when
all the necessary criteria have been met. FOCA appoints the
“independent validators”, awards the status of “regulated agent” and
monitors both of these. | |
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Must a security officer be appointed for every different
site of a business?
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One security officer as the discussion partner within a particular
group of companies is possible. The security officer must be a
permanent employee of the company or group of companies. Each site
which processes air cargo for export will be individually inspected.
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Where can the security officer of a “known consignor”
obtain training?
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Training is provided by the Independent Validator - further
information is available under "Registration“. Training of a
substitute security officer is also recommended.
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Where can information about the content of the security
program based on the new certification procedure be obtained?
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As part of the training for the security officer, the content of a
security program is examined in detail. An appropriate model
document will also be supplied during the course. This model is not
intended for public use and is handed only to the security officer
who attends the course.
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Must the security program be notified to each forwarding
agent who handles air freight?
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Only one security program must be sent to an “authorized forwarding
agent.” The forwarding agent will then arrange for registration in
the Spedlogswiss-list of “known consignors“. | |
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© Copyright
by Cargologic Ltd.
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