What is the difference between a regulated agent and a known consignor?

A regulated agent is an approved party — such as a freight forwarder or handler — that applies security controls to cargo within the supply chain. A known consignor is an approved shipper that prepares cargo securely at origin, so its consignments can enter the secure chain without additional screening at later points.

Why isn't all air cargo simply screened like passenger baggage?

The volume and variety of cargo make uniform screening impractical for every consignment. Aviation instead uses a secure supply-chain model of trusted, regulated parties, combined with screening where cargo is not from a secured source or where risk requires it.

Regulatory

Air Cargo Security

Also known as: Cargo security · Known consignor · Regulated agent

Air cargo security is the set of measures that protect the air cargo and mail supply chain against the introduction of explosives or other prohibited items into aircraft. It relies on a chain of trusted, regulated parties — such as regulated agents and known consignors — together with screening, so that cargo can be shown to be secure from origin to aircraft.

Reviewed by AeroVigil Analysis Desk · 2026-05-31

Full guide
Air Cargo Security: How Air Freight Is Screened and Secured

Cargo and mail present a distinct security challenge because the volumes are large and the contents varied, making it impractical to screen every consignment to the same standard as passenger baggage. Aviation instead uses a secure supply-chain model: cargo is handled by accredited parties whose security is regulated and audited, so an item's security can be established at origin and maintained along the chain, with screening applied where cargo is not from a secured source or where risk requires it.

The 2010 printer-cartridge bomb plot, in which explosive devices were concealed in air cargo consignments, is a frequently cited example of why the model receives sustained attention.

Frequently asked

What is the difference between a regulated agent and a known consignor?: A regulated agent is an approved party — such as a freight forwarder or handler — that applies security controls to cargo within the supply chain. A known consignor is an approved shipper that prepares cargo securely at origin, so its consignments can enter the secure chain without additional screening at later points.
Why isn't all air cargo simply screened like passenger baggage?: The volume and variety of cargo make uniform screening impractical for every consignment. Aviation instead uses a secure supply-chain model of trusted, regulated parties, combined with screening where cargo is not from a secured source or where risk requires it.

Related terms

Sources

ICAO Annex 17 — Security
ICAO Doc 8973 — Aviation Security Manual (restricted)

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