The process of amending the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) is crucial for maintaining global aviation safety. This article explains key terms in this process: “adopted”, “effective”, and “applicable”.
The amendment journey begins once changes to the SARPs are agreed upon. The adoption date refers to when the ICAO Council, consisting of 36 Member States, formally adopts the amendment. This typically happens in March each year. The Council makes important governance decisions for ICAO during periods when the full Assembly, which meets every three years, is not in session.
Next is the effective date, which is set four months after the end of the Council session during which the adoption occurred. A standard Council session usually lasts about four weeks. By the effective date, States must inform ICAO if they do not approve the amendment. If more than half of the States express disapproval, the amendment will not take effect—although this situation has never happened so far.
Finally, we have the applicability date, generally set for November, eight months after adoption and around four months following the effective date. This date aligns with the November AIRAC cycle. By then, States are expected to implement the amendment unless they notify ICAO of any discrepancies between their regulations and the new ICAO Standards. It’s important to note that any notifications of differences must be submitted at least one month before the applicability date.
