Security Surcharge

A security surcharge is a mandatory fee imposed by International Air Transport Association (IATA) member airlines in response to escalating global security threats, covering the costs of cargo screening, X-ray inspections, and regulatory compliance. The surcharge uses IATA charge codes SCC or SEC and covers regulated cargo screening, X-ray, and explosive detection device (EDD) checks. It is typically calculated based on cargo weight or volume, charged per kilogram (such as $0.15/kg), or as a fixed fee per shipment (such as $25/shipment). Security surcharges combined with fuel surcharges can add $0.80 to $2.50 per kg on top of base rates, sometimes more on long-haul intercontinental segments.

A Lufthansa Cargo shipment with AWB number 020-12345678 traveling from FRA to JFK includes a security surcharge of $0.20/kg applied to the chargeable weight of 150 kg, resulting in a $30 security fee. An Emirates SkyCargo consolidation under MAWB 176-87654321 from DXB to LAX carries multiple House Air Waybills, each subject to a $15 per-shipment security surcharge regardless of individual package weight.

• security levy
• SCC
• XRAY charge
• security screening charge

What IATA charge codes are used for Security Surcharge on air cargo invoices?

Security surcharges appear on invoices using IATA charge codes SCC or SEC. Airlines may also use alternative codes like SSC (Security Screening Charge) or variant codes depending on their tariff structure, but SCC and SEC are the standard IATA codes for security-related cargo charges.

How is Security Surcharge calculated differently from the base freight rate?

Security surcharges are calculated separately from base freight rates and added as line items on invoices. They are typically calculated either per kilogram of chargeable weight (such as $0.15-$0.25/kg) or as a fixed fee per Air Waybill (such as $15-$25 per shipment), varying by airline, route, and airport security requirements.