Known Consignor
A Known Consignor is a business that has been security-vetted and validated under aviation-security rules so that the air cargo it tenders is accepted as “secure” and can travel without further physical screening at the airport. To qualify, the consignor must apply approved security controls — protecting cargo from unauthorised interference through packing, storage and transport — and be audited and validated by the appropriate authority or regulated agent.
The known-consignor status is part of the secure air-cargo supply chain designed to keep prohibited items and explosives off aircraft: cargo either comes from a known consignor (or account consignor) as already secure, or must be screened by a regulated agent before it can fly. Being a known consignor speeds a shipper's cargo through the process and avoids screening delays and costs, which is a real advantage for regular air-freight users — so understanding the status and its requirements matters to exporters shipping by air.
Air-cargo security can otherwise mean every shipment gets screened, with the delay and cost that brings — known-consignor status lets a vetted shipper's cargo fly as already-secure. For a regular air-freight exporter that is a genuine speed and cost advantage, and understanding the secure-supply-chain regime is part of shipping efficiently by air.
What is the benefit of being a known consignor?
Its air cargo is accepted as secure and can fly without further physical screening, saving time and cost.
What is a regulated agent?
A security-approved party (often a forwarder) that screens or handles air cargo securely; cargo not from a known consignor must be screened by one.