GACAG is an industry advisory group formed in November 2010 to provide the air cargo industry with a stronger, unified voice in its dealings with worldwide regulatory authorities and other bodies whose decisions directly impact on air cargo. It was founded by the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Global Shippers' Forum (GSF), and The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA).
The website provides information and updates of the four priority areas GACAG is focused on: security, e-commerce, customs and trade facilitation, and the sustainability of the global air cargo industry. It also lists the focus areas for each of its four Task Forces and identifies the members of each group.
In addition to providing proactive e-news updates for registered users, the site gives updates on regulatory issues affecting the air cargo industry. It also profiles the vital role the industry plays in driving economic development. Visitors to the site can share their views on major issues facing the air cargo industry, including new areas they feel GACAG should be aware of or involved in. They can also find links to global customs bodies and non-governmental organizations as well as a listing of industry events.
Michael Steen, Chair of GACAG, said: 'GACAG has been involved in a great deal of activity since its formation, initially putting its own infrastructure in place and then identifying its focus areas and objectives and forming Task Forces. More recently, we have started greater dialogue with other key groups and responded to a number of issues that either affect the air cargo industry or offer the potential to improve the way we do business. The website provides an overview of our progress to date and will be continually updated as we move forward. It also gives the industry the opportunity to talk to the Group about area issues we need to be aware of.'
Since its formation, the Group has conducted work on a wide range of issues, including:
' a standard Consignment Security Declaration
' advance electronic data for air cargo shipments, secure supply chain programs, U.S. and EU security protocols
' co-operation with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
' targets for e-freight and other e-commerce initiatives
' the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), calling for ICAO to create a global industry standard of emissions.
It is also developing closer ties with other global organizations such as the World Customs Organization, World Trade Organization, Universal Postal Union, International Civil Aviation Organization, and the Airport Services Association. Over the past year, GACAG has also had meetings with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) in Washington DC.
