Known Consignor Scheme
Information for cargo companies.
The term ‘Known Consignor’ has been in existence within the UK for over 20 years. The process is managed by the Civil Aviation Authority on behalf of the Department for Transport.
A Known Consignor means a consignor who originates cargo for its own account and whose procedures meet security rules and standards sufficient to allow carriage of cargo or mail on any civilian aircraft. The Known Consignor scheme is voluntary.
Once approved as a Known Consignor an entity must comply with the requirements outlined within the aviation security regulations as a ‘directed party.’
A Known Consignor is part of the ‘air cargo agent’ group as defined in the Aviation Security Act (Air Cargo Agents) Regulations 2024.
If you are interested in finding out more about the process to become regulated as a Known Consignor and what the commitments are get in touch with the team - KCsupport@caa.co.uk. They will direct you to the Compliance Team Manager who can provide more details.
The latest Known Consignor guide is attached to this document and should allow you to make an informed decision on whether you as a company can adhere to the regulations and guidance.
We will endeavour to support you with guidance (on this page) and advice when required:
- security programme
- 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 (AvSec) 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.
You will need to apply for Known Consignor Status (online application form).
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.
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)
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 process at site.
- 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.
Twelve calendar months from current expiry or from date of approval for new certificate holders.
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