Logistics security firm G4S is supporting its customers at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) with the strict cargo screening rules imposed earlier this year.

The firm is certified to carry out off-airport screening required by the new measures.

HKIA is one of the busiest hubs in the world; it processes around 5m tonnes of cargo each year.

To cope with increasing airfreight volumes at the hub, Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department (CAD) has introduced a Regulated Air Cargo Screening Facilities (RACSF) Scheme, which permits off-airport screening of “unknown cargo” from unregulated senders such as the general public, manufacturers, dealers and distributors.

To perform the off-airport screening duties, screeners must be trained and certified by a Certification Body under the RACSF Security Programme.

Chris Wong, managing director of greater China and Japan at G4S (Hong Kong – Holding), commented: “G4S is proud to be one of only two CAD-approved certification bodies that can train and certify our screeners, with the potential to extend this service to our clients’ staff to become air cargo screeners to RACSF standard.”

“In addition to deploying certified screeners, we supply effective and appropriate manned guarding and security installations to get their sites to the necessary standard, such as access control, alarms, CCTV, secure gates and perimeter fences. Our services also include on-site consultations and feasibility studies to determine whether a clients’ warehouse or other site is suitable.”

He added: “Ensuring logistic security, G4S also provides point-to-point secure escorts to meet the strict requirements for screened cargo to be transported to the airport.”

Francis Ng, consultant of aviation and logistics at G4S Secure Solutions Hong Kong, added “The new requirements significantly increase the amount of cargo that must be screened, up to a volume that will certainly exceed the screening capacity at the airport cargo terminals. With such a huge volume of air cargo, the handling efficiency from the point of cargo acceptance until they are loaded onto flights is critically important.”

“G4S offers a total solution comprising air cargo screening, warehouse security and security systems. In addition to knowing what is required, understanding the logic and the background to the security measures, we also have a profound knowledge in the air cargo supply chain which enables us to effectively address the clients’ needs.

“When cargo is being screened at the airport, it may get stuck in long queues, and often needs to be broken down and built up again at the airport to process the security checks. In some cases this can take many hours and result in missed flights. To prevent these potential delays, the Regulated Agents generally prefer to have their cargo screened at off-airport locations.”

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