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UK Civil Aviation Regulations

These are published by the CAA on our UK Regulations pages. EU Regulations and EASA Access Guides published by EASA no longer apply in the UK. Our website and publications are being reviewed to update all references. Any references to EU law and EASA Access guides should be disregarded and where applicable the equivalent UK versions referred to instead.



Around 80% of air cargo is carried on passenger aircraft, so it is important that all air cargo is robustly screened to ensure that prohibited articles are not part of flown cargo. To be able to handle secure cargo, companies need to become a Regulated Agent. The following information is provided to assist cargo handling companies and freight forwarders to become regulated.

List of regulated cargo agents (to be used only if the UK Database on Supply Chain Security is not available).

A guide to the application process is available from the CAA using the contact details for the Cargo and In-Flight Supplies Business Support Unit below. This will help you through the application process and contains a template for the Security Programme.

Pre-requisites

You can apply to be included on the list of Regulated Agents if:

  • you handle cargo which will be carried on civil aircraft
  • cargo handled by you is for carriage from any aerodrome in the United Kingdom to a destination outside the United Kingdom
  • you or another person acting on your behalf deliver cargo direct to an aircraft operator

You must be able to demonstrate that:

  • all staff (permanent, temporary/agency staff and drivers) with access to air cargo/mail have received the appropriate aviation security training
  • access to the production area is controlled and the production process is supervised

How much does it cost?

Costs are detailed in the CAA Scheme of Charges (Aviation Security)

How long will it take for my application to be processed?

Allow 56 days from the point of application to the granting of Regulated Status. This timeframe is contingent on the mandatory security programme and site assessment meeting all the necessary requirements and fees being received.

How long is it valid for?

Listing can be for up to a maximum of five years.

What do I need to include with my application?

  • Completed application form. The Security Manager must sign the Declaration of Commitments Part D
  • Security Programme (sent by Egress or post on a CD. USB storage devices are not accepted).
  • Payment for the new site or new application to become a Regulated Agent
  • Covering letter explaining when the new site or agent wants to be listed and when the site will be operational

How do I apply?

Complete the application form

  • For new agents, tick 'New Application'
  • To move to a new site or add a new site to a current listing, tick 'Additional Site'
  • For changes to Security Manager or Site Security Representative, tick 'Update of Details'
  • To extend Regulated Agent status, tick 'Relisting'
  • For other changes in operations, such as new x-ray machines or updates to regulation, tick 'Other Changes'

What happens next?

  • The Security Programme will be read and approved by a Compliance Auditor
  • A site visit will be arranged by the Compliance Auditor
  • Once approved, a new agent will be served Directions, RA and UAI numbers; new sites will receive an RA and UAI number
  • The Regulated Agent will be listed (as above)

Contact us

For questions about the application process for becoming a Regulated Agent, please contact:

Cargo and In-flight Supplies Business Support Unit
Aviation Security Compliance
CAA, 5th Floor
11 Westferry Circus
Canary Wharf, London, E14 4HD

Email: RASupport@caa.co.uk

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