ACC3 stands for an Air Cargo or Mail Carrier, one that is operating into the European Union from a third country airport; it is a designation currently required by the European Union in order for the carriers to fly air cargo into or through the EU. DAS, which operates at Entebbe International airport, acquired the RA3 after improved safety measures.
"It is important for DAS to be recognised as RA3. It is an acknowledgement of our professional standards when it comes to cargo security and a vote of confidence in our processes," said Marc Deleu, DAS Handling's Managing Director.
This global accreditation represents a boost for aviation and one that is attracting global carriers. It further means that Entebbe airport will now have to scale up its facilities to match the necessary improvements.
From July 1, 2014, all air carriers flying cargo or mail into the European Union have had to be aviation security validated. An air cargo or mail carrier that has been designated by a European Union member state as having obtained the ACC3 status is allowed to carry cargo or mail into or through the EU from a third country airport. By the same date, carrier stations in third countries were required to have undergone an audit to obtain an EU aviation security validation in order to acquire or maintain their ACC3 designation.
ACC3s must also ensure that all cargo and mail carried to the EU is physically screened or comes from a secure supply chain which is EU aviation security validated.
Obtaining the requisite certification requires investment in security processes so as to ensure the maximum safety of entrusted cargo and the elimination of any threat to client airlines.
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DAS Handling gains RA3 accreditation
Another acronym to note: the ACC3/RA3 regulation, which was introduced back in 2012, requires carriers and cargo handlers to meet EU standards on cargo screening measures, documentation, identification and processing of high-risk cargo and staff recruitment, as well as training.
