The Canadian government recently announced changes to make air cargo screening more efficient in Canada.

The changes to the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations will become effective on October 17, 2016.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Transport, the changes will bring Canada in line with international shipping standards and will also help advance a Canada-U.S. action plan on security and economic competitiveness known as Beyond the Border.

“These new regulations will allow for the secure, timely, and efficient flow of goods by air,” said Transport Minister Lisa Raitt, “while aligning Canada’s air cargo security program with those of its U.S. and international trading partners.”

Under the changes, approved shippers will be allowed to screen cargo at any point in the supply chain from the location where it is packed to where it is loaded on an aircraft. These changes will provide shippers with more flexibility and help reduce bottlenecks, move goods efficiently, and meet security standards, according to Raitt.

To benefit from these changes, shippers must apply to Transport Canada. Approved shippers will be subject to ongoing oversight and enforcement by the ministry. Under the program, approved shippers can include manufacturers, retailers, agents, freight forwarders, couriers, and air carriers.