British Airways World Cargo is to implement a screening charge of US$0.05/kg on US-origin freight, from 21 December.

It said the charge was in response to air cargo screening rules that took effect in February 2009, requiring 50% of cargo carried on passenger aircraft from the US to be screened.

Screening charges do not apply to cargo shipped on BAWC freighter services and pre-screened cargo from a Certified Cargo Screening Facility (CCSF).

BAWC said it "delayed initial screening charges to accommodate the delivery of screening equipment and CCSF certification".