PLACI mandates the submission of cargo data to regulatory authorities for risk assessment prior to loading to enhance security of the supply chain.
The protocol addresses potential threats early and supports the seamless flow of commerce by ensuring that cargo is risk-assessed before it is loaded on an aircraft.
PLACI was first implemented by the US Customs & Border Protection with the Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) programme in 2019 and later adopted by the European Union with the launch of 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 filings 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 of North America and Europe to implement a PLACI regime.
More countries are looking at rolling out PLACI regimes.
Proactive involvement in the UAE-PLACI’s pilot phase help Etihad Cargo refine its processes and infrastructure to ensure cargo is secured from acceptance through to loading at the departure point and on arrival, from unloading through cargo delivery to the consignee.
Measures Etihad Cargo put in place include ensuring the proper chain of custody is maintained and recorded in compliance with local and regulatory security requirements, screening all cargo and providing proof of screening, protecting consignments through various security monitoring solutions and performing random checks to ensure compliance with the established procedures.
Stanislas Brun, Vice President Cargo at Etihad Cargo, says, “As a cargo carrier, Etihad Cargo plays a significant role within the supply chain and has an increased responsibility to act as a filter and aid compliance. The early and comprehensive adoption of UAE PLACI protocols demonstrates Etihad Cargo’s dedication to security and a proactive approach to regulatory compliance.”
H.E. Mubarak Alghafli, Executive Director of NAIC, says, “Etihad Cargo has been collaborating closely with NAIC and is one of the four carriers that participated in the PLACI pilot. Etihad Cargo has played an important role in the success of the UAE-PLACI as the result of the tremendous cooperation and efforts made by the Etihad Cargo team, which helped us to develop a visible cutover plan for the UAE-PLACI that has already been accomplished.”