GERMANY is examining a proposal to levy an air freight security charge, to finance the implementation of tighter security measures for cargo handled by the nation's airports.

    The proposal is part of a wider programme being conducted by the federal ministries of transport and the interior to boost security controls for air freight, after explosives were found onboard cargo aircraft, originating in Yemen and bound for the US. One of packages containing explosives was uncovered at an airport in the UK after arriving from Cologne.

    According to a report by Flightglobal, German police aim not only to screen shipments that have been checked in at the nation's airports, but also cargo arrives from outside bound for other international destinations.

    It cited the ministry of interior as saying that "depending on the quality of security checks in the respective third country" German police may have to establish additional security checks.

(Source:http://www.schednet.com)