(a) Initial application and approval.—

(1) Application. Unless otherwise authorized by TSA, each applicant must apply for a security program and for certification as a certified cargo screening facility at a particular location, in a form and a manner prescribed by TSA not less than 90 calendar days before the applicant intends to begin operations. TSA will only approve a facility to operate as a CCSF if it is located in the United States. The CCSF application must be in writing and include the following:

(i) The business name; other names, including doing business as; state of incorporation, if applicable; and tax identification number.

(ii) The name of the senior manager or representative of the applicant in control of the operations at the facility.

(iii) A signed statement from each person listed in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section stating whether he or she has been a senior manager or representative of a facility that had its security program withdrawn by TSA.

(iv) Copies of government-issued identification of persons listed in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section.

(v) The street address of the facility where screening will be conducted.

(vi) A statement acknowledging and ensuring that each individual and agent of the applicant, who is subject to training under §1549.11, will have successfully completed the training outlined in its security program before performing security-related duties.

(vii) Other information requested by TSA concerning Security Threat Assessments.

(viii) A statement acknowledging and ensuring that each individual will successfully complete a Security Threat Assessment under §1549.111 before the applicant authorizes the individual to have unescorted access to screened cargo or to screen or supervise the screening of cargo.

(2) Standard security program and assessment.

(i) After the Security Coordinator for an applicant successfully completes a security threat assessment, TSA will provide to the applicant the certified cargo screening standard security program, any security directives, and amendments to the security program and other alternative procedures that apply to the facility. The applicant may either accept the standard security program or submit a proposed modified security program to the designated official for approval. TSA will approve the security program under paragraphs (a)(3) and (a)(4) of the section or issue a written notice to modify under paragraph (a)(4) of this section.

(ii) An applicant must successfully undergo an assessment by TSA.

(3) Review. TSA will review a facility at a particular location to determine whether—

(i) The applicant has met the requirements of this part, its security program, and any applicable Security Directive;

(ii) The applicant has successfully undergone an assessment by TSA;

(iii) The applicant is able and willing to carry out the requirements of this part, its security program, and an applicable Security Directive;

(iv) The approval of such applicant's security program is not contrary to the interests of security and the public interest;

(v) The applicant has not held a security program that was withdrawn within the previous year, unless otherwise authorized by TSA; and

(vi) TSA determines that the applicant is qualified to be a certified cargo screening facility.

(4) Approval and certification. If TSA determines that the requirements of paragraph (a)(4) of this section are met and the application is approved, TSA will send the applicant a written notice of approval of its security program, and certification to operate as a certified cargo screening facility.

(5) Commencement of operations. The certified cargo screening facility may operate under a security program when it meets all TSA requirements, including but not limited to an assessment by TSA, successful completion of training, and Security Threat Assessments by relevant personnel.

(6) Duration of security program. The security program will remain effective until the end of the calendar month three years after the month it was approved or until the program has been surrendered or withdrawn, whichever is earlier.

(7) Requirement to report changes in information. Each certified cargo screening facility under this part must notify TSA, in a form and manner approved by TSA, of any changes to the information submitted during its initial application.

(i) The CCSF must submit this notification to TSA not later than 30 days prior to the date the change is expected to occur.

(ii) Changes included in the requirement of this paragraph include, but are not limited to, changes in the certified cargo screening facility's contact information, senior manager or representative, business addresses and locations, and form of business facility.

(iii) If the certified cargo screening facility relocates, TSA will withdraw the existing certification and require the new facility to undergo a validation and certification process.

(b) Renewal Application. Upon timely submittal of an application for renewal, and unless and until TSA denies the application, the certified cargo screening facility's approved security program remains in effect.

(1) Unless otherwise authorized by TSA, each certified cargo screening facility must timely submit to TSA, at least 30 calendar days prior to the first day of the 36th anniversary month of initial approval of its security program, an application for renewal of its security program in a form and a manner approved by TSA.

(2) The certified cargo screening facility must demonstrate that it has successfully undergone a revalidation of its operations by TSA prior to the first day of the 36th anniversary month of initial approval of its security program.

(3) The application for renewal must be in writing and include a signed statement that the certified cargo screening facility has reviewed and ensures the continuing accuracy of the contents of its initial application for a security program, subsequent renewal applications, or other submissions to TSA confirming a change of information and noting the date such applications and submissions were sent to TSA, including the following certification:

(4) TSA will renew approval of the security program if TSA determines that—

(i) The CCSF has met the requirements of this chapter, its security program, and any Security Directive; and

(ii) The renewal of its security program is not contrary to the interests of security and the public interest.

(5) If TSA determines that the certified cargo screening facility meets the requirements of paragraph (b)(3) of this section, it will renew the certified cargo screening facility's security program and certification. The security program and certification will remain effective until the end of the calendar month three years after the month it was renewed.

(c) Amendment requested by a certified cargo screening entity or applicant. A certified cargo screening facility or applicant may file a request for an amendment to its security program with the TSA designated official at least 45 calendar days before the date it proposes for the amendment to become effective, unless the designated official allows a shorter period. Any certified cargo screening facility may submit to TSA a group proposal for an amendment that is on behalf of it and other certified cargo screening facilities that co-sign the proposal.

(1) Within 30 calendar days after receiving a proposed amendment, the designated official, in writing, either approves or denies the request to amend.

(2) TSA may approve an amendment to a certified cargo screening facility's security program, if the TSA designated official determines that safety and the public interest will allow it, and if the proposed amendment provides the level of security required under this part.

(3) Within 30 calendar days after receiving a denial of the proposed amendment, the certified cargo screening facility may petition TSA to reconsider the denial. The CCSF must file the Petition for Reconsideration with the designated official.

(4) Upon receipt of a Petition for Reconsideration, the designated official either approves the request to amend or transmits the petition, together with any pertinent information, to TSA for reconsideration. TSA will dispose of the petition within 30 calendar days of receipt by either directing the designated official to approve the amendment or by affirming the denial.

(d) Amendment by TSA. TSA may amend a security program in the interest of safety and the public interest, as follows:

(1) TSA notifies the certified cargo screening facility, in writing, of the proposed amendment, fixing a period of not less than 30 calendar days within which the certified cargo screening facility may submit written information, views, and arguments on the amendment.

(2) After considering all relevant material, the designated official notifies the certified cargo screening facility of any amendment adopted or rescinds the notice of amendment. If the amendment is adopted, it becomes effective not less than 30 calendar days after the certified cargo screening facility receives the notice of amendment, unless the certified cargo screening facility disagrees with the proposed amendment and petitions the TSA to reconsider, no later than 15 calendar days before the effective date of the amendment. The certified cargo screening facility must send the petition for reconsideration to the designated official. A timely Petition for Reconsideration stays the effective date of the amendment.

(3) Upon receipt of a Petition for Reconsideration, the designated official either amends or withdraws the notice of amendment, or transmits the Petition, together with any pertinent information, to TSA for reconsideration. TSA disposes of the Petition within 30 calendar days of receipt, either by directing the designated official to withdraw or amend the notice of amendment, or by affirming the notice of amendment.

(e) Emergency amendments.

(1) If TSA finds that there is an emergency requiring immediate action, with respect to aviation security that makes procedures in this section contrary to the public interest, the designated official may issue an emergency amendment, without the prior notice and comment procedures described in paragraph (d) of this section.

(2) The emergency amendment is effective without stay on the date the certified cargo screening facility receives notification. TSA will incorporate in the notification a brief statement of the reasons and findings for the emergency amendment to be adopted.

(3) The certified cargo screening facility may file a Petition for Reconsideration with the TSA no later than 15 calendar days after TSA issued the emergency amendment. The certified cargo screening facility must send the Petition for Reconsideration to the designated official; however, the filing does not stay the effective date of the emergency amendment.

[74 FR 47706, Sept. 16, 2009, as amended at 76 FR 51868, Aug. 18, 2011]