UK regulators should review canine screening regulations for aerospace cargo, as current policy is creating unnecessary costs, additional emissions, and inefficiencies across the supply chain, Global K9's (GK9) Chief Commercial Officer, Chris Daniels, told delegates at the Multimodal 2026 exhibition in Birmingham, United Kingdom (UK).
Speaking on air cargo security, Daniels explained that aircraft engines cannot currently be screened by certified canine teams in the UK and, as a result, shipments are routinely transported by road to airports including Liège and Brussels, where canine screening is permitted under European regulations.
Once screened in Europe, that cargo can then be accepted as screened cargo by the UK.
"Aerospace cargo in the UK currently goes on a costly and polluting detour," said Daniels.
"Despite canine screening for aircraft engines being adopted in other countries and supported by experienced screening providers, regulation has not yet caught up with operational capability.
"We need policy to reflect what is possible, and what is beneficial for the industry, while maintaining safety as the absolute priority."
GK9 began European operations in December 2024 and now operates in the Netherlands, Belgium, and the UK, with Free Running Explosive Detection Dogs (FREDDs) stationed at London Heathrow Airport, London Gatwick Airport, and Aberdeen International Airport.
In the United States, the company works closely with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to support the development of canine cargo screening regulations and became the first organisation to operate a TSA approved Certified Cargo Screening Facility – K9 (CCSF-K9).
Drawing on that experience, Daniels said greater collaboration between industry and regulators could help modernise UK screening policy while maintaining the highest security standards.
Daniels also said permitting certified canine screening for aircraft engines in the UK would reduce unnecessary cross border trucking, lower operating costs for exporters, and improve the competitiveness of the UK's air cargo sector by keeping more screening activity within the country.
"Logistics is one of the largest contributors to transport emissions,” added Daniels.
“Where safe, secure alternatives exist that reduce unnecessary movements, we have a responsibility to explore them.
"Global K9 would welcome the opportunity to work alongside UK regulators to help deliver the safest, most effective, and most efficient cargo screening methods available."
