newstodate.aero
Mar 06, 2012 (newstodate): The process in Denmark for shippers to register for approval as Known Consignors according to the EU Director No 185 is still going at a slow pace.
So far only one Danish shipper, Viking Life Equipment has obtained the certification despite the fact that the EU Directive will take effect from April 29, 2013 - only slightly more than one year from now.
-The picture is, however, neither black, nor white, says Laurits Nielsen, Trafikstyrelsen, in charge of the program in Denmark.
-Next month we expect to complete the certification of the second airfreight shipper, and we receive applications and inquiries about the program regularly.
-Still we expect some 250-350 companies and localities in Denmark to eventually require certification as Known Consignors, so as we get closer to the deadline the pace will heat up.
-The problem may be, then, that we start the process one-by-one as companies apply, meaning that with given resources we will see a growing queue from now. And eventually the later the companies apply, the higher the risk of not meeting the deadline which will entail extra costs for screening etc, as well as time lost in waiting positions at airport terminals.
-Also each company will have to apply individually for certification of each locality where its business is performed, further adding to the stress.
-We are, however, doing out utmost to cope with the situation. And as certification is a rather costly affair we also consider, together with the applicant, whether it actually makes sense to proceed with the process given the number of annual shipments in question, or the specific nature of the shipments like metal machinery that cannot be screened by automated processes.
The EU Directive requires airfreight shippers not certified as Known Consignor to have all shipments screened at their own cost at terminals before getting access to air transportation.
So far only one Danish shipper, Viking Life Equipment has obtained the certification despite the fact that the EU Directive will take effect from April 29, 2013 - only slightly more than one year from now.
-The picture is, however, neither black, nor white, says Laurits Nielsen, Trafikstyrelsen, in charge of the program in Denmark.
-Next month we expect to complete the certification of the second airfreight shipper, and we receive applications and inquiries about the program regularly.
-Still we expect some 250-350 companies and localities in Denmark to eventually require certification as Known Consignors, so as we get closer to the deadline the pace will heat up.
-The problem may be, then, that we start the process one-by-one as companies apply, meaning that with given resources we will see a growing queue from now. And eventually the later the companies apply, the higher the risk of not meeting the deadline which will entail extra costs for screening etc, as well as time lost in waiting positions at airport terminals.
-Also each company will have to apply individually for certification of each locality where its business is performed, further adding to the stress.
-We are, however, doing out utmost to cope with the situation. And as certification is a rather costly affair we also consider, together with the applicant, whether it actually makes sense to proceed with the process given the number of annual shipments in question, or the specific nature of the shipments like metal machinery that cannot be screened by automated processes.
The EU Directive requires airfreight shippers not certified as Known Consignor to have all shipments screened at their own cost at terminals before getting access to air transportation.