Universal Security Audit Programme (USAP)

The ICAO Universal Security Audit Programme (USAP) represents an important initiative in ICAO's strategy for strengthening aviation security worldwide and for attaining commitment from States in a collaborative effort to establish a global aviation security system.

The programme, part of ICAO's Aviation Security Plan of Action, provides for mandatory and regular audits of all ICAO Contracting States. The ICAO audit assesses the State's capability for providing security oversight by determining whether the critical elements of a security oversight system have been implemented effectively. Thus, the USAP serves to promote global aviation security by identifying weaknesses in each State's oversight of its aviation security activities and, if required, providing suitable recommendations for mitigating or resolving such shortcomings.

Implementation of the programme began with the first security audit in November 2000. The second cycle of security audits commenced in January 2008, and is expected to conclude in 2013. In addition to security audits, the programme entails audit follow-up visits that focus on the implementation of corrective action plans.

To promote transparency and mutual confidence between States, information on the level of implementation of the critical elements of an audited State's aviation security oversight system is available to all ICAO member States on a restricted website.

For more information contact:

Universal Security Audit Programme (USAP)
Aviation Security Audit (ASA) Section
Phone: +1 514-954-6192
Fax: +1 514-954-5774
Email: asa@icao.int