RACA security check application

Each employee of a regulated air cargo agent (RACA) who ‘applies security controls’ has to be authorised. This also applies to each employee who needs to enter access-controlled areas. To become authorised, each employee must hold a favourable security check determination.

Applying for a RACA security check

How do I apply for a RACA security check?

The applicant must complete the consent form [PDF 448 KB] and give this to their employer’s RACA certifier along with a colour copy of an approved form of identity and any other required documentation (see What needs to be provided with a RACA security check application form? below). The certifier will submit this information to the Aviation Security Service.

NOTE: Incomplete consent forms will be returned to the RACA employer and will not be processed until all of the required information has been included.”

Does all of the information in the RACA security check application form need to be correct?

It is an offence to knowingly provide false information to the Civil Aviation Authority or the Director of Civil Aviation relevant to the Authority’s or the Director’s exercise of powers under the Civil Aviation Act 1990, or regulations or rules made under the Act. It is also an offence to fail to disclose, without reasonable excuse, information that is materially relevant in relation to a security check. Each offence is punishable by a term of imprisonment not exceeding 12 months or a fine not exceeding $10,000 (section 49 of the Civil Aviation Act 1990(external link) and section 56A of the Civil Aviation Act 1990(external link)).

What needs to be provided with a RACA security check application form?

The application form will need to be accompanied by a colour copy of one of the following approved forms of identification for the applicant:

• New Zealand driver licence – must be current or expired within the last two years, must show the expiry date and the applicant’s signature, must not be cancelled, defaced or a temporary licence; or
• New Zealand passport – must be current or expired within the last two years, must show the applicant’s signature, must not be cancelled or defaced; or
• Overseas passport – must be current, must show the applicant’s signature, must not be expired, cancelled or defaced; or
• New Zealand firearms licence – must be current, must not be expired or defaced; or
• Certificate of identity – must be current and issued by the Department of Internal Affairs; or
• Refugee travel document – must be current and issued by the Department of Internal Affairs; or
• Statutory declaration – signed and dated by a Justice of the Peace (JP) or other authorised person, with an accompanying countersigned and dated photo of the applicant.

In addition, copies of the following must be provided, if any of these situations apply to the applicant:

• Permanent residency, work visa or student visa – If the applicant is not a New Zealand or Australian citizen and they are in New Zealand on a permanent residency, work visa or student visa.
• Proof of legal change of name (for example a marriage or civil union certificate or a dissolution of marriage or civil union certificate) – If the applicant wants to use a name that is different to the name that appears on their approved form of identification.
• Proof of New Zealand citizenship – If the applicant is a New Zealand citizen who was born outside New Zealand, and they are not providing a copy of a New Zealand passport with their application.

Does the applicant have to consent to a security check?

The applicant must consent to the Aviation Security Service carrying out a security (background) check to determine whether they pose a threat to aviation security. If the applicant refuses to consent to a security check, their application will not be considered.

In carrying out a security check, the Aviation Security Service will ask people or organisations to disclose information about the applicant. For example, the Aviation Security Service can seek: a recommendation from the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service, information about the applicant’s criminal record (if any) from the Ministry of Justice, or information from the New Zealand Customs Service or the New Zealand Immigration Service.

The RACA employer will be informed whether the applicant has received a favourable security check determination. The applicant and RACA employer will be advised of an adverse security check determination. Advice to the RACA employer will be limited to confirming whether a favourable or adverse security check determination has been made, but not the reason for, or details of, any determination.

Adverse security check determination

If the outcome of the application process is an adverse security check determination, the applicant has the right to have the determination reviewed under section 77G of the Civil Aviation Act 1990(external link). However, if the applicant’s objection is based solely on a recommendation from the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service, they must follow a complaint process with the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security under the Intelligence and Security Act 2017(external link).

If new information comes to light at any time, the Director of Civil Aviation can reconsider a favourable security check determination. In this case, reference should be made to section 77F of the Civil Aviation Act 1990(external link).

What happens to the applicant’s personal information?

Information contained in the application will be kept in the strictest confidence and handled according to the principles of the Privacy Act 2020(external link). Under the Privacy Act the applicant has the right to request access to, or correction of, any personal information held by the Aviation Security Service.

How long does it take to process a RACA security check application?

The Aviation Security Service aims to process each application within 10 working days of the date that a completed application is received. If a security vetting result requires further consideration the application is likely to take longer.

When is a RACA security check application form not required?

Where the person to be authorised is the holder of a current permanent Airport Identity Card (AIC) any authorisation will only last until the AIC expires, at which point a new security check will be required for ongoing authorisation.

How much does it cost to apply for a RACA security check?

The application fee for a RACA security check is $61.30 (including GST).

How long do RACA security check determinations last?

RACA security check determinations can last for up to three years. They will last for a shorter period of time if the applicant has a work permit or student visa that will expire in less than three years.