Approval requirements for EU aviation security validators

Member States shall approve EU aviation security validators based on conformity assessment capacity, which shall comprise: 

  • independence from the validated industry, unless otherwise stated; and 
  • appropriate personnel competence in the security area to be validated as well as methods to maintain such competence at the level referred to in 11.6.3.5 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998;  and 
  • the functionality and appropriateness of validation processes. 

An EU aviation security validator may be any individual or a legal entity. 

Every individual performing EU aviation security validation shall have appropriate competence and background, and shall meet all of the following requirements: 

  • | have been subjected to an enhanced background check in accordance with point 11.1.3 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998 of 5 November 2015 laying down detailed measures for the implementation of the common basic standards on aviation security and
  • perform EU aviation security validation impartially and objectively, shall understand the meaning of independence and apply methods to avoid situations of conflict of interest in respect of the validated entity; 
  • have sufficient theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the field of quality control as well as respective skills and personal attributes to collect, record and assess findings based on a checklist, in particular regarding: 
    • compliance monitoring principles, procedures and techniques; 
    • factors affecting human performance and supervision; 
    • the role and powers of the validator, including on conflict of interest; 
  • provide proof of appropriate competence based on training and/or a minimum work experience in respect of the following areas: 
    • general aviation security principles of Union and ICAO aviation security standards; 
    • specific standards related to the activity validated and how they are applied to operations; 
    • security technologies and techniques relevant for the validation process; 
  • undergo recurrent training at a frequency sufficient to ensure that existing competencies are maintained and new competencies are acquired to take account of developments in the field of aviation security. 

Important Note:

Approved EU aviation security validators shall be recognised by all Member States.

However, Member States may limit the approval of an EU aviation security validator to validation activities which are carried out solely on the territory of that Member State on behalf of the appropriate authority of that Member State. In such cases, the recognition of these validators by other Member States does not apply.

How to locate EU Aviation Security Validators

Details of EU aviation security validators can be verified via the official European Commission database at: https://ksda.ec.europa.eu/public/screen/home

To search, select “EU AVSEC Validators” as the Type in the search tool. Note: When choosing a validator, it is advisable to select one who demonstrates a solid understanding of national regulations, procedures, and relevant operational contexts, in addition to meeting EU-level requirements.