RA3 VALIDATION PREPARATION · Aero Support Group FZCO · Updated 23 October 2026
What is RA3 in aviation?
RA3 means Regulated Agent validated for the EU from a third country. It is a legal entity outside the EU, such as a freight forwarder, cargo terminal or handling agent, that applies security controls, including screening, to cargo or mail bound for the EU.
The legal basis is Regulation (EC) No 300/2008 and point 6.8 of the Annex to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998. RA3 status is part of the supply chain that allows an ACC3 carrier to accept cargo as secured. Without a valid RA3 or KC3 upstream, the cargo must be screened before loading by the ACC3 or on its behalf.
Designation and validity
- Who designates: the appropriate authority of the EU Member State responsible for the ACC3 designation at that airport (6.8.4.2). Where no ACC3 is designated there, the authority that approved the validator designates.
- Union database: the RA3 is entered in the Union database on supply chain security, with a unique identifier.
- Validity: up to three years from entry in the database (6.8.4.6). Revalidation is required at intervals not exceeding three years.
The two validation routes
Point 6.8.5.1 provides two ways to obtain RA3 status:
- Through the ACC3’s validation. The agent is covered in the ACC3’s security programme and its validation. Its status then applies only to cargo delivered to that ACC3.
- Standalone EU validation. An EU aviation security validator assesses the agent on site using the checklist in Attachment 6-C2. The resulting status can serve more than one ACC3.
EU aviation security validators are approved by an EU Member State authority under point 11.6 and listed in the Union database. The validation is measured against the EU checklist, not against an ECAC document.
What the validator checks
- The security programme and the person responsible for cargo security at the site.
- Recruitment checks and initial and recurrent security training for staff with access to secured cargo.
- Physical security and access control of areas where cargo is secured and stored.
- Screening methods and equipment, matched to the cargo type, with records showing which consignments were screened and how.
- Protection of secured cargo from unauthorised interference until it is handed to the ACC3 or another RA3, with chain-of-custody documentation.
- Procedures for high-risk cargo and for consignments referred through PLACI.
Where RA3 validations run into difficulty
- The security programme is generic and does not describe the actual site, equipment and staffing.
- Screening records cannot be traced to individual consignments.
- Training and background check records are missing for subcontracted or temporary staff.
- Secured cargo is stored or transported without adequate protection or seals.
- The designation has expired, or applies only to one ACC3 while the agent is serving several carriers.
How ASG prepares RA3 applicants
- Applicability review: which ACC3s you serve, the responsible Member State and the right validation route.
- Security programme drafting written around your actual site and operation.
- Pre-validation gap analysis against Attachment 6-C2, with corrective actions before the validator’s visit.
- Training material and records for staff with access to secured cargo.
- Coordination with the ACC3 and the validator, and support with findings after validation.
- Revalidation planning so the designation does not lapse.
ASG prepares organisations for validation. The validation itself is carried out by an independent EU aviation security validator.
Conclusion
RA3 status lets a cargo agent outside the EU hand secured cargo straight to an ACC3. It depends on a security programme that matches the site, screening that can be traced and staff who are trained and checked. ASG helps agents reach that standard before the validator arrives.
Frequently asked questions
RA3 means Regulated Agent validated for the EU from a third country: a forwarder or handler outside the EU that applies security controls to EU-bound cargo or mail under point 6.8 of Regulation (EU) 2015/1998.
Up to three years from entry in the Union database, with revalidation at intervals not exceeding three years.
An EU aviation security validator approved by an EU Member State authority, using the checklist in Attachment 6-C2, or the RA3 is covered within the ACC3’s own validation.
An RA3 is an agent that secures and screens cargo from various shippers. A KC3 is the shipper itself, whose own premises and processes are validated so its cargo leaves already secured.
Not if it chooses standalone validation, which can serve several ACC3s. If it is covered only by one ACC3’s validation, its status applies to that ACC3 alone.
Key takeaways
- RA3 = regulated agent outside the EU validated under point 6.8 of Regulation (EU) 2015/1998
- Designation lasts up to three years
- Two routes: within the ACC3's validation or standalone with checklist 6-C2
- Validators are approved by EU Member States
- Screening must be traceable to each consignment
Preparing for RA3 validation?
Tell us your site and the carriers you serve. ASG will confirm the right route and prepare you for the validator’s visit.