The enforcement of Canada’s Pre-Load Air Cargo Targeting (PACT) regulation will begin on April 1, 2025.
This initiative, part of the Passenger and Cargo Screening (PLACI) framework, aims to strengthen air cargo security by mandating preloading risk assessments for shipments entering Canada. The full regulation has been officially published in the Canada Gazette, Part II.
FIATA emphasizes the critical role the air cargo industry must play in ensuring compliance with PACT requirements. Freight forwarders, in partnership with air carriers, are responsible for providing accurate cargo documentation and transmitting data. As such, forwarders are urged to collaborate closely with their airline partners to ensure timely and accurate data submissions, helping to avoid disruptions and potential penalties.
Under the PACT regulation, freight forwarders or air carriers involved in creating waybills or operating flights that precede Canada’s last point of departure (e.g., codeshare flights) may voluntarily participate in PACT at the request of an air carrier.
Compliance and Technical Resources
For detailed compliance guidelines, the PACT Technical Implementation Guide (currently version 1.5, dated February 15, 2025) outlines essential data formats and submission processes. To support seamless compliance, freight forwarders and air cargo partners are encouraged to review the guide thoroughly. The guide can be accessed here: [PACT Technical Implementation Guide].
FIATA urges all freight forwarders, air carriers, and logistics professionals to familiarize themselves with the PACT regulation and ensure full compliance by the April 1, 2025, deadline. Freight forwarders, in particular, are encouraged to engage proactively with their airline partners to ensure a smooth and efficient implementation of the new requirements.
