T?? Rheinland India, a worldwide leader in Testing, Inspection, Certification & Training, announced that it has provided its first TAPA certification in IMEA (India, Middle East & Africa) region to Air India SATS Airport Services Private Limited (AISATS). AISATS has achieved TAPA certification for the scope of airfreight cargo handling at Bangalore International Airport with an audit score of 93.2 points. AISATS is a joint venture between Air India and SATS Ltd, set up to provide world class airport services in ground and cargo handling at Airports in India.

Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) is a global forum of security, insurance and logistics professionals established to ensure the safe and secure transport, storage and warehousing of TAPA member's assets throughout the world. TAPA certificates are recognised globally for cargo facility and transport security and are awarded only to facilities that comply with the highest security standards.

T?? Rheinland is an approved third-party auditing body for the Freight Security Requirements (FSR) certified by TAPA.

The certificate was awarded by Mr C Ebenezer Bobson, Country Head - IT & Risk Management Services, T?? Rheinland recently at a ceremony at Bangalore to Mr Henry Christopher, Senior Vice President - Cargo operations, AISATS, Bangalore International Airport.

AISATS' Bengaluru Cargo Terminal was certified by TAPA for adhering to TAPA's stringent and high security standards for its warehouse operations, such as tight access controls, secure handling of high-value products, high-tech equipment for cargo handling, and installation of vital surveillance and alarm systems.

Said Mr C Ebenezer Bobson, "T?? Rheinland provides TAPA certification as a part of its transportation security services. TAPA audits based on Freight Security Requirements (FSR) can be achieved at one of three levels: class A, B, and C, with class A being the highest level of security; monitoring the level of security for facilities and warehouses used for storing and transporting goods. TAPA audits are conducted using a checklist style audit. Facilities are monitored and score points based on their level of security. Audits typically include a one or two day inspection of the facility against TAPA's standards and repeat inspections are conducted at regular intervals over a three year period."

Expressing his gratitude Mr Willy Ko, CEO, AISATS said, "We are proud to be the first company in the India Middle East & Africa (IMEA) region to have received this prestigious certification from TAPA, by successfully adhering to all the required stringent parameters. At AISATS, we have always been aiming to provide best handling services, keeping in mind utmost safety and security standards. Receiving the TAPA certification for our Bengaluru Cargo Terminal, only affirms our strict adherence to the highest international standards."

Said Mr Enrico Ruhle, Managing Director of TUV Rheinland India, "With the addition of TAPA, T?? Rheinland now has a full portfolio of security services. With its global presence, TUV Rheinland works according to international security standards such as ISO 28000, C-TPAT compliance, IT Security and NASPO security assessments, in addition to providing a range of brand protection, anti-counterfeiting and risk management services."