Screening roll out delayed as cargo demand falls

Screening roll out delayed as cargo demand falls

Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department (CAD) has delayed the roll out of new cargo screening requirements due to the sharp decline in throughput.

The transitional agreement for screening under the Regulated Air Cargo Screening Facilities Scheme was due to come into effect in November, requiring 25% of cargo be screened by regulated agents, but has been delayed until January 2020 due to the decline in demand since the end of last year.

The CAD says the delay will give the air cargo industry “more time to cope with the enhanced security screening requirements amidst the economic challenges the industry is facing”.

The requirement had been put into place due to the International Civil Aviation Organization’s policy direction, requiring regulated agents to gradually increase the screening percentage of known cargo from November 2019 until 100% was achieved by the deadline of 30 June 2021.

To cope with increased screening demand, the CAD introduced the Regulated Air Cargo Screening Facilities Scheme in October 2018 to allow screening at off-airport locations.

Newsletter

Stay informed. Stay ahead. To get the latest air cargo news and industry trends delivered directly to your inbox, sign up now!

related articles

CEVA Logistics forms joint venture in Saudi Arabia

1 in 5 flights could experience disruption without airspace upgrade

FAA certifies E-Freighter