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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.



In-flight suppliers who supply catering and on-board supplies to commercial aircraft are required to be regulated by the CAA. The following information is provided to assist prospective in-flight supplier companies to become Regulated Suppliers.

List of Regulated Suppliers (to be used to verify the status of a supplier)

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

In-flight supplies are all items intended to be taken on board an aircraft for use, consumption or purchase by passengers or crew during a flight, other than cabin baggage, items carried by persons other than passengers and air carrier mail and air carrier materials.

In order to be approved as a Regulated Supplier of in-flight supplies, the applicant shall submit documentation on aviation security standards (security programme) and shall then be subjected to an on-site verification visit to ensure that it fulfils the required standards.

You must be able to demonstrate that:

  • All staff (permanent, temporary/agency staff and drivers) with access to in-flight supplied 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 Supplier
  • Covering letter explaining when the new site or new supplier wants to be listed and when the site will be operational

How do I apply?

Complete the application form

  • For new suppliers, tick 'New Application'
  • To move to a new site or to add a new site to a current listing, tick 'Additional Site'

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, IFS and UAI number. New sites will receive an IFS and UAI number
  • The Regulated Supplier will be listed (as above)

Contact us

For questions about the application process for becoming a Regulated Supplier, 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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