08.06.10
BioStorage Technologies (BST) was recently approved as a Certified Cargo Screening Facility (CCSF) by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The designation establishes BST as one of the few sample management providers to achieve this clearance level, allowing the company to pre-screen shipments at its facility, thereby avoiding possible screening delays at the airport.
In 2007, Congress passed the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act. This law mandates that by August 1, 2010, 100% of cargo transported on a passenger aircraft must be screened at the piece level, prior to being transported on any passenger aircraft. For the pharma and biopharma industries, in which shipments typically include temperature- and time-sensitive materials, this regulation could pose major obstacles and present bottlenecks in the air cargo supply chain, according to a BST statement. Due to the substantial increase in screening, shipping activities may contribute to significant delays that cannot be estimated with accuracy. Pre-inspection at a CCSF may reduce or eliminate such delays as well as reduce the risk of transportation damage at an inspection terminal.
"This new mandate highlights how complex and intricate the pharmaceutical and biotech supply chain has become, which has been exacerbated by time and temperature constraints placed on many biomaterials and medical products," says Lori A. Ball, chief operating officer, BioStorage Technologies.
Certified Cargo Screening Facilities must meet the rigorous security requirements for their physical location, personnel and screening. Organizations who choose not to participate in the program must consider alternative methods to comply with the mandate. Alternatives include sending goods by truck, rail, maritime, all-cargo aircraft or working with other certified entities including Independent Cargo Screening Facilities (ICSFs) and Indirect Air Carriers (IACs).
In 2007, Congress passed the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act. This law mandates that by August 1, 2010, 100% of cargo transported on a passenger aircraft must be screened at the piece level, prior to being transported on any passenger aircraft. For the pharma and biopharma industries, in which shipments typically include temperature- and time-sensitive materials, this regulation could pose major obstacles and present bottlenecks in the air cargo supply chain, according to a BST statement. Due to the substantial increase in screening, shipping activities may contribute to significant delays that cannot be estimated with accuracy. Pre-inspection at a CCSF may reduce or eliminate such delays as well as reduce the risk of transportation damage at an inspection terminal.
"This new mandate highlights how complex and intricate the pharmaceutical and biotech supply chain has become, which has been exacerbated by time and temperature constraints placed on many biomaterials and medical products," says Lori A. Ball, chief operating officer, BioStorage Technologies.
Certified Cargo Screening Facilities must meet the rigorous security requirements for their physical location, personnel and screening. Organizations who choose not to participate in the program must consider alternative methods to comply with the mandate. Alternatives include sending goods by truck, rail, maritime, all-cargo aircraft or working with other certified entities including Independent Cargo Screening Facilities (ICSFs) and Indirect Air Carriers (IACs).