Etihad Cargo says it is now ready for the UAE’s new Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI) regulations. The measure is intended to enhance monitoring and safety of air cargo by mandating submission of cargo data to regulatory authorities for risk assessment prior to loading and ensuring that it is risk-assessed before going onto the aircraft.
Initially implemented by the US Customs & Border Protection with the Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) programme in 2019, it was later adopted by the European Union with the launch of the Import Control System 2 (ICS2) in 2023. Both ACAS and ICS2 are fully integrated into Etihad Cargo’s operational processes, and Etihad Cargo was one of the first carriers to start live filing to ACAS.
The UAE’s National Advance Information Centre (NAIC), under the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security, is the first country outside North America and Europe to implement a PLACI regime.
Further countries are planning to roll it out.
Measures the carrier has put in place include ensuring the proper chain of custody is maintained and recorded; screening all cargo and providing proof of screening for all shipments; protecting consignments through monitoring solutions including 24/7 CCTV surveillance and guarding; and performing random checks to ensure compliance with the established procedures.