TSA established the Third-Party Canine-Cargo (3PK9-C) program to enhance the screening of air cargo by leveraging the capabilities of third-party explosives detection canine teams. The 3PK9-C program was created under TSA’s Certified Cargo Screening Programs (CCSP), 49 CFR part 1549, to provide an efficient and effective method for screening air cargo to TSA’s standards. Under this program, third-party canine teams trained in explosives detection can be certified by a nongovernmental entity (3PK9-C Certifier), acting under the approval of TSA, as meeting TSA’s certification standards. Canine team providers can become Certified Cargo Screening Facilities-Canine and enter into agreements with TSA-regulated entities to screen cargo in a manner that meets TSA’s cargo screening requirements.
Certified Cargo Screening Facilities-Canine (CCSF-K9s)
Under this program, third-party explosives detection canine team providers may seek registration as a Certified Cargo Screening Facility-Canine (CCSF-K9) and adopt the Certified Cargo Screening Program-Canine under 49 CFR part 1549.
Once registered, a CCSF-K9 may enter into agreements with TSA-regulated entities (e.g., aircraft operators, foreign air carriers, and CCSFs) to deploy Certified 3PK9-C teams to screen air cargo. The TSA-regulated entity must also have a TSA-approved or accepted amendment to its respective security program before it can use a CCSF-K9 to screen air cargo to TSA's requirements.
Companies interested in initiating the process to become a CCSF-K9 may email your inquiry.
Third-Party Certifiers
In addition to requirements imposed on CCSF-K9s regarding the procedures for screening cargo, TSA imposes requirements on and conducts oversight of third-party certifiers who determine whether canine teams operating under the 3PK9-C program meet TSA’s certification requirements. Persons interested in becoming a 3PK9-C Certifier must apply to TSA. In general, TSA reviews applications to determine whether:
- The 3PK9-C Certifier applicant demonstrates expert knowledge of critical test and evaluation concepts to certify canine teams for the detection of explosives (e.g., management of certification data, explosives training aids, use and safety, etc.).
- The 3PK9-C Certifier applicant demonstrates sufficient past performance and expertise in performing explosives detection canine team certifications.
3PK9-C Certifier applicants are required to attest that they meet or will be able to meet the minimal qualification standards identified above. These minimum requirements must be sustained throughout the applicant’s participation in the 3PK9-C Program.
Interested parties can contact [email protected] to obtain information about the certification program.
