X-ray Screening

X-ray screening is a cargo security procedure that uses high-energy X-ray technology to create visual images of air freight shipments, enabling trained operators to identify prohibited items, explosives, weapons, or other security threats without opening packages. This procedure is required by aviation and customs officials worldwide to prevent the shipment of weapons, explosives, or contraband. TSA requires 100% of cargo transported on passenger aircraft to be screened at a level of security commensurate with the level of security for the screening of passenger checked baggage, using approved screening methods. For air cargo, the x-ray machines are much bigger and more powerful than the typical ones at passenger security.

A FedEx Express shipment with AWB number 023-98765432 undergoes X-ray screening at Memphis International Airport (MEM) before loading onto an MD-11F freighter. If the X-ray cannot produce a clear image due to dense metallic packaging, the x-ray intensity is not enough to show a clear image of the cargo, the machine will let the user know. Should this happen, the x-ray cannot deem the goods known and a secondary method of screening will be required. A Lufthansa Cargo shipment (020-55443322) containing pharmaceutical products passes through X-ray screening at Frankfurt Airport (FRA), where security operators analyze the images for any anomalies before the cargo proceeds to aircraft loading.

• cargo screening
• security screening
• XRAY
• RAD
• cargo x-ray

What happens if my cargo cannot be properly screened by X-ray?

If the x-ray intensity is not enough to show a clear image of the cargo, the machine will let the user know. Should this happen, the x-ray cannot deem the goods known and a secondary method of screening will be required. Secondary methods include ETD screening using chemical analysis to detect traces of explosive material vapors or residues in samples taken from the exterior of cargo by trained personnel.

Which screening technologies are approved for X-ray screening of air cargo?

The Air Cargo Screening Technology List (ACSTL) serves as TSA's official guide for regulated parties to use when procuring screening devices. Please note that when procuring screening equipment in accordance with TSA-approved security programs, cargo screening technologies must be selected from the SSI version of the Air Cargo Screening Technology List. The list includes qualified Visual Image (VI) devices, formerly called Non-Computed Tomography transmission X-ray devices.