HAFFA: Forwarder air cargo screening would be better, cheaper

HAFFA, the Hongkong Association of Freight Forwarding and Logistics Industry, is in talks with the Hong Kong Government, to bring about air cargo security measures in a way that increases efficiency and minimises costs.

"HAFFA has been working on a new security programme that will allow freight forwarders to process screening at their own facilities instead of at the CTO [container terminal operator]. The programme has been submitted to HKCAD [Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department] for discussion," said HAFFA chairman Paul Tsui.

"A recent discussion paper by US Congress on 100 per cent screening of cargo freighters is warning us to prepare ourselves in Hong Kong," said Dr Tsui.

"I believe, the new programme will be launched by 2011 and it will better accommodate the international security requirements based on the scenario of HK," he told a media briefing announcing the March 8 - 10 Air Freight Asia conference and exhibition in Hong Kong.

"There are increasing measures of air cargo security with the recent 100 per cent screening on passenger flights to USA, and similar implementations in Canada in March, with EU likely to follow. These have given us an important signal to get better air cargo security in the near future to accommodate the ever-changing environment and requirements," said Dr Tsui.
(Source:www.schednet.com)