In line with a security standard of the International Civil Aviation Organization, the Hong Kong Aviation Security Programme which is enforceable under the Aviation Security Ordinance, has recently introduced a requirement to strengthen the security of air cargo. Under this requirement airlines can carry only consignments of cargo, courier and express parcels or mail on passenger flights from a Regulated Agent, a Known Consignor or consignments which have been subjected to other security controls. The Regulated Agent Regime is a system under which a cargo handling agent, freight forwarder or consignor of air cargo can be qualified as a Regulated Agent.
To safeguard aircraft against acts of unlawful interference, the Hong Kong SAR Government has implemented the Regulated Agent Regime (RAR) in March 2000 to enhance the security of air cargo. The introduction of the RAR is to conform to the Standard 4.6.4 of Annex 17 of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Standard requires that airline operators carry on passenger flights only consignments of cargo, courier and express parcels or mail the security of which has been accounted for by a Regulated Agent or which has been subjected to other security controls.
Under the regime, a Regulated Agent or an airline operator is required to apply security control measures on consignments of air cargo received from shipper who is not a Known Consignor unless the goods are exempted cargo.
Under the RAR there are three main entities: the Known Consignor, Regulated Agent and Airline Operator. A Known Consignor is a person who offers a consignment of cargo for carriage by air in Hong Kong to either a cargo agent or an airline operator.
Known Consignor
Under the regime, a Regulated Agent or an airline operator can recognize a consignor whom it has established business as Known Consignor by:
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Establishing and registering the identity and address of the consignor and the agent authorized to carry out deliveries on his behalf; and
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Requiring the consignor to sign or enter into the business contract a declaration declaring that the cargo consigned by him will not contain any explosive or incendiary device; and
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Requiring the consignor to declare that he employs reliable staff and has made his best endeavour to protect the consignments against unauthorized interference during preparation, storage, and transportation and agrees that the packaging and contents of his consignments may be examined for security reasons.
If you have a business account with a cargo agent which is a Regulated Agent, you can request it to recognize you as a Known Consignor. If you send your cargo direct to the airlines and have a business account with them you can approach them for recognition. The Regulated Agent or airline which recognizes you will assign you a Known Consignor code for identification in the shipping documents.
A Known Consignor should ensure the security integrity of your cargo during preparation, storage and transportation until they are received by the Regulated Agent or airline. Your cargo should also be accompanied with shipping documents containing description of the contents and quantity of your cargo sufficient for customs clearance as well as your Known Consignor code for identification.
A Regulated Agent
A Regulated Agent is a cargo agent, freight forwarder or any other entity that conducts business with an airline and provides cargo security controls acceptable to the Aviation Security Authority. A Regulated Agent or airline operator may recognise a consignor as Known Consignor in accordance with the conditions laid down in the Hong Kong Aviation Security Programme (HKASP).
A Regulated Agent has to be registered with the Civil Aviation Department. To apply for registration, please
complete the Application for Registration as Regulated Agent. After completion please return this form to
Airport Standards Division, Civil Aviation Department either by mail to Room 6T067 Passenger Terminal
Building, Terminal 1, Hong Kong International Airport or by fax to no. 2362 4257. For any enquiries,
please contact our officers at tel no. 2182 1219 or 2183 1247. Also the Regulated Agent has to ensure that all their
staff are familarised with the
Handling
Procedures for Regulated Agent Regime (RAR).
Please click here to view the Register of Regulated Agents.
Please click here to download
the Application for Registration as Regulated Agent (CAD HKRAR (August 2008)(E).
NOTE:
The application forms and the RASP template are offered
as Adobe
PDF (Portable Document Format) Files. Please download
Acrobat Reader to view or print them.
Exempted Cargo
Certain cargo is exempted from security controls. They include cargo designated to be carried on board cargo only aircraft, transfer air cargo, human remains, live animals, bona fide life-saving materials and items less than 6.3mm thick. For details, check with your Regulated Agent or airline.
The regime was formulated after consultation with the air cargo industry. Shippers and cargo agents who wish to obtain details about the regime can either approach their respective trade associations, namely the Hong Kong Shippers' Council, Hong Kong Association of Freight Forwarding and Logistics Limited and Hong Kong International Courier Association or their airlines.
For further information on the operation of the regime and how to register as regulated agent you are welcome to contact our Officers on tel. no. 21821219 & 21831247.