Hong Kong intensifies air cargo security

This comes as the International Civil Aviation Organization’s air cargo security policy takes effect.

Hong Kong has rolled out a 100% security screening for export air cargoes, in line with the full implementation of the new policy of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

“The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) has recognised over 130 Regulated Air Cargo Screening Facilities (RACSFs) to conduct air cargo security screening at off-airport locations,” Director-General of Civil Aviation Victor Liu said.

“Hong Kong's export air cargoes are now screened, either at the cargo terminals of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) or the RACSFs at off-airport locations.” He added this enhanced Hong Kong’s status as one of the most secure air cargo hubs in the world.

The ICAO issued a policy direction in September 2016 with a view to strengthening air cargo security. As a way to meet the policy direction, all export air cargoes will be subject to security screening.

To assist and prepare Hong Kong's air cargo industry, the CAD launched the RACSF Scheme in October 2018 and invited interested parties to establish and operate air cargo screening facilities at off-airport locations.

An 18-month transitional arrangement was implemented from January 2020 to June 2021 to increase the screening percentage for Hong Kong's export air cargoes to 100% in phases.

"Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hong Kong's air cargo throughput at HKIA registered a high volume of over 4.5 million tonnes in the 2020-21 financial year,” Liu also said.

“In particular, the volume of export air cargoes showed a strong growth of around 10% over the previous year's figure.”