Nippon Express Begins Operation of Explosive Detection Dogs (EDD) at Narita Base
Nippon Express will introduce Explosive Detection Dogs (EDD) at its Narita Airport logistics centers, starting operations in June 2024, to enhance air cargo security.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 3, 2026 at 11:00
- 🔍 Collected: June 3, 2026 at 11:25 (25 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 7, 2026 at 01:15 (85h 49m after Collected)
Nippon Express Co., Ltd. (President: Shinjiro Takezoe), a group company of NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC. (President: Satoshi Horikiri), will introduce Explosive Detection Dogs (EDD) at the Narita Airport Second and Third Logistics Centers in "NARITA Air Cargo City" to further enhance its air cargo security system, with operations commencing sequentially from June.
Explosive Detection Dog "BONO" and Handler BONO
■Background of Introduction
In recent years, the security environment surrounding air cargo has become increasingly stringent, requiring the establishment of a more flexible and efficient explosive detection system in response to regulatory changes.
Following the revision of the aviation security system in January 2026, Nippon Express has been introducing X-ray inspection equipment. However, conventional X-ray inspection equipment and ETD (wipe testing) have faced challenges depending on the shape and material of the cargo, making the introduction of new inspection methods urgent to maintain stable transportation services.
To address these challenges, Nippon Express will introduce EDD inspection, a newly approved explosive detection method for air cargo by the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, to further enhance its security system.
■Overview of Introduction
The EDD inspection being introduced by Nippon Express involves detection dogs and handlers trained by specialized institutions in the United States. The detection dogs have been trained based on the standards of the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and possess detection capabilities compliant with those standards.
At the Narita Airport Second and Third Logistics Centers, Nippon Express will combine EDD operations with existing X-ray inspection equipment to achieve both enhanced security and improved inspection efficiency.
■Effects of Introduction
- Improved capability to handle cargo that was previously difficult to inspect, such as oversized or special cargo.
- Further enhancement of aviation security levels through the introduction of EDD with high detection capabilities.
■Future Developments
Based on the operational results of the EDD, Nippon Express will work to improve inspection capabilities and strengthen its operational framework, while monitoring the trends of relevant authorities and international regulations to proceed with operations*.
The NX Group will continue to utilize all modes of transport to meet the diverse needs of its customers, pursuing both safety and convenience in air cargo to provide high-quality logistics services.
*: Under the current system, EDD inspection in Japan cannot be applied to cargo destined for the United States or cargo on flights via the United States (including transit), so operations will be phased in while appropriately identifying the scope of applicable cargo.
About the NX Group:
Since its founding in 1937, the NX Group has connected people, companies, and regions through the transportation of goods, walking alongside the development of society. As a global logistics company with approximately 78,000 employees in 57 countries and regions worldwide, it provides high-quality logistics services utilizing land, sea, and air transport modes, as well as warehousing and IT.
The NX Group's corporate message, "We Find the Way," expresses our strong will and confidence to find the best way and see it through in any situation. As a partner that not only transports goods but also co-creates the future of our customers, we provide sustainable and environmentally conscious supply chain solutions.
For more information about the company, please visit https://www.nipponexpress-holdings.com/en/.
Explosive Detection Dog "BONO" and Handler BONO
■Background of Introduction
In recent years, the security environment surrounding air cargo has become increasingly stringent, requiring the establishment of a more flexible and efficient explosive detection system in response to regulatory changes.
Following the revision of the aviation security system in January 2026, Nippon Express has been introducing X-ray inspection equipment. However, conventional X-ray inspection equipment and ETD (wipe testing) have faced challenges depending on the shape and material of the cargo, making the introduction of new inspection methods urgent to maintain stable transportation services.
To address these challenges, Nippon Express will introduce EDD inspection, a newly approved explosive detection method for air cargo by the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, to further enhance its security system.
■Overview of Introduction
The EDD inspection being introduced by Nippon Express involves detection dogs and handlers trained by specialized institutions in the United States. The detection dogs have been trained based on the standards of the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and possess detection capabilities compliant with those standards.
At the Narita Airport Second and Third Logistics Centers, Nippon Express will combine EDD operations with existing X-ray inspection equipment to achieve both enhanced security and improved inspection efficiency.
■Effects of Introduction
- Improved capability to handle cargo that was previously difficult to inspect, such as oversized or special cargo.
- Further enhancement of aviation security levels through the introduction of EDD with high detection capabilities.
■Future Developments
Based on the operational results of the EDD, Nippon Express will work to improve inspection capabilities and strengthen its operational framework, while monitoring the trends of relevant authorities and international regulations to proceed with operations*.
The NX Group will continue to utilize all modes of transport to meet the diverse needs of its customers, pursuing both safety and convenience in air cargo to provide high-quality logistics services.
*: Under the current system, EDD inspection in Japan cannot be applied to cargo destined for the United States or cargo on flights via the United States (including transit), so operations will be phased in while appropriately identifying the scope of applicable cargo.
About the NX Group:
Since its founding in 1937, the NX Group has connected people, companies, and regions through the transportation of goods, walking alongside the development of society. As a global logistics company with approximately 78,000 employees in 57 countries and regions worldwide, it provides high-quality logistics services utilizing land, sea, and air transport modes, as well as warehousing and IT.
The NX Group's corporate message, "We Find the Way," expresses our strong will and confidence to find the best way and see it through in any situation. As a partner that not only transports goods but also co-creates the future of our customers, we provide sustainable and environmentally conscious supply chain solutions.
For more information about the company, please visit https://www.nipponexpress-holdings.com/en/.
FAQ
What is an Explosive Detection Dog (EDD)?
A dog trained to detect the scent of explosives, used for inspecting cargo that is difficult to check with X-rays.
Why did Nippon Express introduce EDD?
To enhance its ability to handle cargo that is difficult to inspect with X-rays and to improve overall security levels, ahead of the 2026 aviation security system revision.
Where are the EDDs trained?
They are trained at specialized institutions in the United States, based on the standards of the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA).