DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano met on Wednesday with representatives of leading global shipping companies including UPS, DHL, FedEx and TNT, and called on the industry to “strengthen cargo security through enhanced screening and preventative measures”.
Security staff in the UK and Dubai discovered two explosive devices concealed as toner cartridges following a tipoff on 29 October. America shippers UPS and FedEx had been shipping the packages.
In response to the threat, the UK has banned all toner cartridges over 500g from both passenger hand luggage, and any cargo flights other than known consignors.
A full list of known consignors approved by the Department of Transport can be found online here.
The UK has also banned all unaccompanied freight from Yemen and Somalia, due to connections with the attempted bombings. Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways has also reportedly banned all freight from the two countries.
Are you concerned about the effects of the attempted attack and the new measures? Click here to email The Recycler your thoughts and comments.