The Known Consignor (KC) program is voluntary. The Known Consignor process allows companies to declare their cargo as suitable to be considered as ‘secure’ air cargo, providing they abide by the rules, regulation and good practise provided by the Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority.
There are many different sectors that are active Known Consignors and all work to the same principles. A site will manufacture or source their own products and identify them as air cargo at site. The job of the Known Consignor, once air cargo is identified, is to pick/ pack, secure, store and dispatch in a safe and secure manner. When this is achieved the Known Consignor can send their cargo as suitable to be considered as ‘secure’, which negates the need for further screening at a Cargo Regulated Agent premises.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) are the regulators in this process and do provide some support with initial queries regarding the suitability of sites and whether the Known Consignor process is right for their company. There is a list of Aviation Security Consultants who can provide more information and guidance on your journey to becoming a Known Consignor.
Part of the initial process is to recruit and train your staff to the required level as all employees involved are new to the Known Consignor process. You will also be sent Known Consignor material to help you to better understand the process.
We will endeavour to support you with guidance (on this page) and advice when required:
- security program
- guide to becoming a Known Consignor in the UK
- aviation recruitment guide
Details of approved cargo trainers (to be used to verify the status of a cargo trainer).
Every Known Consignor is subject to a 12 monthly validation of their premises. This involves a site visit by a CAA Aviation Security Compliance Auditor who will review your secure process and your recruitment and training of AvSec staff only. Existing Known Consignors are subject to yearly validation audits, these are normally within 2 months of the expiry date but may on some occasions be earlier than this. The validation date does not affect your expiry date.
A guide to applications for Known Consignors is available from the CAA by using the contact details on this page.
Pre-requisites
- HR presence at the site inspection to facilitate access to staff recruitment records.
How do I apply?
You will need to apply for Known Consignor Status (online application form).
How much does it cost?
Costs are detailed in the CAA Scheme of Charges (Aviation Security).
The cost to become a Known Consignor is subject to the CAA scheme of charges.
What do I need to send with my application?
You will need to send the following information with your application:
- A completed application form
- A site address that corresponds to the address required for the Consignment Security Certificate (CSC)
How long will it take for my application to be processed?
Application forms must be received by the Cargo and In-flight Supplies Business Support Unit at least six weeks before a current certificate expires.
Forms are acknowledged on receipt and processed within 4 weeks.
Upon receipt of your application, you will be assigned a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) auditor who will be your point of contact through the initial process. We will endeavour to manage your initial validation visit within 6 weeks of you notifying us that you are ready to start the Known Consignor (KC) process at site.
What happens next?
- The Known Consignor site will be subject to an assessment carried out by a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Aviation Security Compliance Auditor.
- A CAA Compliance Team Manager will allocate a CAA Aviation Security Compliance Auditor and contact you with the details.
- Following a successful validation of the site, you will be issued with a UAI number for Known Consignor Status.
- For existing certificate holders, the assessment will usually take place within 4 weeks of the expiry date.
How long is it valid for?
Twelve calendar months from current expiry or from date of approval for new certificate holders.
Contact us
For questions about the application process for becoming a Known Consignor, please contact:
Cargo and In-flight Supplies Business Support Unit
Aviation Security Compliance
Civil Aviation Authority
CAA, 5th Floor
11 Westferry Circus
Canary Wharf, London, E14 4HD
Email: KCSupport@caa.co.uk
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