Have you ever wondered what happens to your baggage after it has been checked and before it is loaded onto the plane?

Hold Baggage Screening (HBS) is the process by which all checked baggage is screened using the latest innovations in explosives detection equipment at airports. Relying on a combination of both security personnel and state-of-the-art technology, HBS scans baggage density and tests for trace amounts of chemicals.

In full deployment at 89 airports across Canada since 2006 – one full year in advance of the worldwide mandatory implementation issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) – HBS is in effect for all domestic and international flights.

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) provides financial support to airports to cover the installation, renovations and deployment of explosives detection systems. Collaborating with Transport Canada, CATSA has established a performance-based HBS regulatory framework to ensure optimal performance and maintenance of each system.

CATSA is committed to overseeing all HBS systems, especially in-line systems, and ensuring regulatory compliance. In the coming year, we will be focusing on life-cycle management of all deployed equipment and on initiating formative evaluations for the program.