Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department (CAD) has launched the Regulated Air Cargo Screening Facilities (RACSF) Scheme for screening air cargo at off-airport locations.

To enhance aviation security in response to the rising threat of terrorism, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has issued a policy direction stating all air cargo should be subject to security screening by 30 June 2021.

Air cargo security screening in Hong Kong primarily takes place at airport cargo terminals but to meet the ICAO requirements and cope with high volumes, it will be necessary to screen air cargo at off-airport locations.

The CAD says: “Hong Kong is in full support of and has the obligation to meet the ICAO aviation security requirements. The Government has been working closely with the air cargo industry in enhancing the air cargo security regime to meet the new international aviation security requirements.”

It adds: “The establishment of off-airport screening facilities will enable air cargoes to be screened at the existing warehouses or similar premises of the air cargo industry before such cargoes are transported to the airport for loading onto aircraft.”

The operation of off-airport air cargo screening facilities has to meet specific security requirements in terms of screening equipment, training and supervision of screening personnel and site security.

The CAD adds: “Parties interested in operating off-airport air cargo screening facilities are encouraged to submit applications by the deadline of the initial stage. This is to enable the parties to secure early acceptance by the CAD.”