If a carrier utilizes the services of a ground handling agent to handle its cargo, does that ground handling agent need to be an Air AMS participant?

If a carrier utilizes the services of a ground handling agent to handle its cargo, does that ground handling agent need to be an Air AMS participant?

All participants in Air AMS are required to honor the electronic freight status notifications.  A carrier is required to maintain control of the cargo pending CBP disposition whether its staff handles the cargo or if a ground handling agent provides such services.  How the carrier communicates such information to its ground handling agent is a business decision for the carrier and its agent.