U.S. TSA designates BioStorage Technologies as Certified Cargo Screening Facility

BioStorage Technologies, a global leader in sample management and cold-chain logistics for the pharma and biotech industries, has recently been approved as a Certified Cargo Screening Facility (CCSF) by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The designation establishes BioStorage Technologies as one of the few sample management providers to achieve this clearance level, which allows 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 percent of cargo transported on a passenger aircraft be screened at the piece level, prior to being transported on any passenger aircraft.

For the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, whose shipments typically include temperature and time sensitive materials, this new regulation could pose major obstacles and present bottlenecks in the air cargo supply chain. Due to the substantial increase in screening, shipping activities may contribute to significant delays that cannot be estimated with accuracy. However, 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.

"Qualifying as a certified cargo screening facility reinforces our commitment to being a leader in sample management while allowing us to provide our customers with prompt and cost-effective shipping of temperature-sensitive biological samples."

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).

SOURCE BioStorage Technologies, Inc.