AmSafe Bridport Cargo Product Group, based in Bridport, Dorset, has become the first global firm to be granted US and European regulatory safety approval for its patented TSO C172 Cargo Tie-Down Strap.

Tie-Down Straps are used throughout the world to securely hold down air cargo or equipment during transport, ensuring there is no risk to the cargo, plane, air-crew or general public.

The Technical Standard Order (TSO) has been awarded by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), in addition to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to provide a globally recognised certified approval for Tie-Down Straps. This is the first time both agencies have issued a TSO for this type of product, thereby raising the standard of this safety critical equipment. According to AmSafe Bridport, there is currently no other ULD equipment provider that has received both European and US regulatory approval.

IATA’s January 2013 Regulations Report reveals TSO C172 certified straps would become mandatory for air cargo operators from January 1 2016 onwards.

Voted and agreed by the IATA Unit Load Device Regulation Panel (ULD), this requirement provides the industry with a phase-out period for the use of non-certified cargo straps, prior to the mandatory requirement, coming into effect. The reason for the creation of the TSO C172 regulation is to provide a global standard which increases safety by stating a recognised minimum design, performance and quality standard for all air cargo straps.

International Airlines and air cargo operators have been quick to contact AmSafe Bridport to understand more about these new requirements and to place orders for this new Tie-Down Strap that incorporates the latest TSO C172 standard.