Air Cargo Screening Qualification Test Process Guide

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a component of the Department of Homeland Security, has published a Special Notice establishing the Air Cargo Screening Qualification Test (ACSQT) process guide for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) seeking to list air cargo screening devices on the TSA Air Cargo Screening Technology List (ACSTL). This Special Notice formally communicates the qualification procedures and requirements that vendors must follow to have their screening technologies evaluated and approved by TSA. The notice includes detailed process guidance and four qualification group appendices covering different types of screening equipment. White paper submissions are accepted on a continuous basis with no specified deadline, and vendors should direct inquiries to OSC_ACSQT@tsa.dhs.gov. The qualification process remains open to all interested OEMs meeting the established criteria.

The primary objective of this Special Notice is to enable OEMs to understand and navigate the ACSQT qualification process for four device categories: Visual Image Inspection devices (QG1), Explosive Trace Detection devices (QG2), Metal Detector devices (QG3), and Explosive Detection Systems (QG4). All prospective vendors must submit comprehensive white papers addressing vendor qualifications, device technical specifications, commercial availability, safety and regulatory compliance, electromagnetic compatibility, quality management certifications, and configuration management practices. Before accessing sensitive security information, vendors must complete Security Threat Assessment vetting, designate a Senior Corporate Official as point of contact, and ensure all employees with SSI access execute Non-Disclosure Agreements. The qualification process comprises two stages—Stage I (submission processing and requirements testing) and Stage II (field assessment in operational environments)—with evaluation methods varying based on vendor status and device similarity to previously qualified technologies. Successful qualification results in devices being listed on the ACSTL, while some vendors with similar qualified devices may qualify for expedited evaluation, whereas new vendors typically require nine months of operational field testing.