From 1 April 2026, a charge will apply to applications for ACC3, RA3 and KC3 designation under the UK ACC3 Scheme. Details of these charges are set out in the 2026/27 CAA Aviation Security Scheme of Charges.
Overview
In accordance with the UK National Aviation Security Programme (NASP), any air carrier carrying cargo or mail from another country into any UK airport must hold a UK ACC3 designation prior to that cargo or mail being permitted to arrive in the UK.
Entities operating in another country as part of the ACC3 secure supply chain may require to be designated as a UK-RA3 or UK-KC3.
All applications for designation under the UK ACC3 Scheme will be considered and evaluated by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) prior to the Department for Transport (DfT) making a decision, taking account of advice and recommendations submitted by the CAA and any other relevant evidence. The CAA aims to determine the outcome of applications within 40 working days following the date of receipt of the Validation Report and any accompanying documentation.
Submission of an application does not guarantee that a UK ACC3 designation will be granted.
If you have any questions or require advice on whether you require a UK ACC3 designation, contact us at acc3@caa.co.uk prior to submitting your application.
Application charge
The charges are set out in the CAA Aviation Security Scheme of Charges.
A charge applies for each ACC3 route application, or RA3 or KC3 site application.
The charge covers the cost of the CAA processing your application, including:
- Reviewing your application and documents
- Any follow up questions or clarification required to accurately assess your application and validation report
- Undertaking a risk assessment and making a recommendation to DfT on the appropriateness of an ACC3, RA3 or KC3 designation based on the information provided
- Communicating the outcome of the application
- Updating the UK Supply Chain Security Database as appropriate
How to apply
You will need to:
- Submit the relevant application form (SRG1736) and pay the appropriate fee.
- Once your application and payment have been received you will be asked to send the relevant documentation to support your application, including the Aviation Security Validator report, via Egress.
- You may also be required to provide any additional information the CAA requests.
When will I receive the designation?
Once your application has been received and payment has been made:
- You will receive an email confirmation that your application has been submitted to the relevant team for processing
- Your application will be reviewed, and you will be asked to send your supporting documentation via Egress
- We aim to communicate the decision within 40 working days although in some cases this can be extended longer where required information takes longer to obtain
- If DfT decides to grant your designation, you will receive e-mail confirmation, and the relevant details will be listed on the UK Supply Chain Security Database.
Changes
Designations may be suspended or terminated if details within your application change.
Air carriers and other entities listed on the UK Supply Chain Security Database are responsible for maintaining validated standards at all times and must immediately report any significant changes in their operations or relevant security controls to the UK CAA. Any specific failures of security and/or significant breaches of security controls, including wider security incidents, must be reported to the UK CAA immediately. Failure to supply such information may lead to the suspension or termination of an entity’s designation, and may also be taken into account in the consideration of any future application.
Contact us
Email: Acc3@caa.co.uk