51. Can I fly
heavy model aircraft?
Except with Civil Aviation Department’s endorsement, heavy model aircraft are not allowed to fly in Hong Kong.
Dangerous
Goods
52. What are
Dangerous Goods?
Dangerous Goods are
articles or substances which are capable of posing a significant
risk to health, safety, property or the environment when transported by air.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) classified
dangerous goods in 9 classes, which are:
Class 1 |
Explosives |
| Class 2 |
Gases |
| Class 3 |
Flammable liquids |
| Class 4 |
Flammable solids; Substances
liable to spontaneous combustion; Substances which,
in contact with water, emit flammable gases |
| Class 5 |
Oxidizing substances
and Organic peroxides |
| Class 6 |
Toxic and infectious
substances |
| Class 7 |
Radioactive material |
| Class 8 |
Corrosive substances |
| Class 9 |
Miscellaneous dangerous
substances and articles |
53. What regulations
should a shipper or a forwarder comply with when offering
or handling dangerous goods for air carriage?
Under the Dangerous Goods (Consignment by Air) (Safety) Regulations Chapter 384 Subsidiary Legislation, consignors i.e. shippers and freight forwarders must ensure all dangerous goods are properly classified, packed, marked, labelled and documented before they are offered for air transportation. A person who contravenes these Regulations commits an offence and is liable to a fine of $250,000 and to imprisonment for 2 years.
54. What are the Technical
Instructions?
The "Technical Instructions" is referring to the “Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods By Air" published by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).It contains detailed requirements applicable to the international civil transport of dangerous goods by air. You are required by the Dangerous Goods (Consignment by Air) (Safety) Regulations Chapter 384 Subsidiary Legislation to ensure your dangerous goods comply in every respect with the requirements specified in the current edition of Technical Instructions.
55. If I am uncertain
whether the goods I consign is dangerous goods, what shall
I do?
You can contact your supplier or manufacturer of goods to obtain the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) which shows the physical and chemical properties of goods. Then you can contact your freight forwarder or airline for advice and assistance in any special arrangements required. You must never falsely describe the goods, or offer the goods for air carriage when you have doubts about their properties. False description of dangerous goods and improper packing and handling can result in a maximum fine of $250,000 and to imprisonment for 2 years.
56. What type of packaging
and packing method should I use for packing my dangerous
goods for air transportation?
You can only use packaging which complies with the provisions of the current edition of Technical Instructions and follow the Packing Instructions applicable to your goods. If you are required to use UN packaging, you must purchase those packaging made by a qualified UN packaging manufacturer. A qualified UN packaging manufacturer has obtained authorization from a competent authority to produce UN packaging and has successfully tested their packaging in accordance with the testing procedures specified in the Technical Instructions.
Every UN packaging for air carriage of dangerous goods bears a UN Specification Marking similar to 4G/Y145/S/99/NL/VL823. The UN Specification Marking of UN packaging for sea or road transport of dangerous goods are also similar to the above marking. If you are uncertain whether your UN packaging are made for air transport of dangerous goods, you can obtain a test report of the packaging from the packaging supplier or manufacturer for verification.
57. What documents
do I need for offering dangerous goods for air carriage?
Do I need to keep those documents?
Under the Dangerous Goods (Consignment by Air) (Safety) Regulations Chapter 384 Subsidiary Legislation, the documents required are Air Waybill and dangerous goods transport document i.e. Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods unless otherwise specified in the Technical Instructions. Dangerous Goods consignors i.e. shipper and freight forwarder must keep these documents for at least 6 months.
58. Can I sign the "Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods" if
I am unfamiliar with the handling of dangerous goods for
air transport?
No, you cannot. Only person who has completed appropriate dangerous goods training within the past 24 months can sign the "Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods". Any untrained person signing that declaration is liable to a maximum fine of $20,000 and 6 month's imprisonment.
59. What is my liability
as a Director if my company commits an offence under Dangerous
Goods (Consignment by Air) (Safety) Ordinance Chapter 384?
Under Section 5 of Chapter 384, every director and every officer concerned in the management of the company maybe convicted of the like offence. Therefore, as a Director or a managerial officer, you must supervise your staff to prevent the commission of offence.
60. My company is
a trading company which does not physically handle the dangerous
goods for air carriage. Am I liable for breaches of regulations
relating to an act or function performed by other persons
i.e. overseas manufacturers or suppliers?
Yes, you are. Since it is your company offering the dangerous goods for air carriage, even if you are not the manufacturer or supplier of dangerous goods, you are still liable for an offence committed by other persons under the Dangerous Goods (Consignment by Air) (Safety) Regulations Chapter 384 Subsidiary Legislation. Therefore, you have to adopt measures to ensure the dangerous goods are in proper condition for air carriage.
61. Can a properly
trained airfreight forwarder sign the "Shipper's Declaration
for Dangerous Goods" on behalf of the shipper?
Yes, a properly trained freight forwarder or a qualified person acting on behalf of shipper can sign the "Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods" if they have undertaken shipper's responsibilities as required by the Technical Instructions.
62. What shall I do
if I want to offer guns (including sporting guns) and ammunitions
for air transport?
In accordance with Article 43 of the Air Navigation (Hong Kong) Order 1995, any weapons, ammunitions or article containing an explosive or any noxious liquid, gas or other thing which is designed or made for use in warfare or against persons are classified as "Munitions of War". The carriage of "Munitions of War" on aircraft must obtain prior approval (i.e. Permission for carriage of Munitions of War in Aircraft from Director-General of Civil Aviation and comply with conditions relating thereto.
Passengers and cargo consignors who would like to offer weapons, guns (say sporting guns) and ammunitions for air transport must notify their airlines in advance and ask them to apply for a permission from the Director-General of Civil Aviation. Please
click here to download the application for Permission for
Carriage of Munitions of War (MUW) in Aircraft.
63. What can I do
when I need further information on the transport of Dangerous
Goods or carriage of Munitions of War in aircraft?
You may write to:
Dangerous Goods Office
Airport Standards Division
Civil Aviation Department
Rm 6T067 Passenger Terminal Building
1 Cheong Hong Road
Hong Kong International Airport
Lantau
or contact the Safety Officer (Dangerous Goods) on telephone no. (852) 2182 1221, 2182 1214 or 2182 1233 or fax no. (852) 2795 8469.
Air
Traffic Control Safety/ ATC Radar
64. What is Primary
Surveillance Radar (PSR)?
A primary surveillance radar
detects and provides both range and bearing information
of an aircraft within its effective coverage. In Hong Kong,
depending on the application, the coverage is within 80
nautical miles for approach control and within 200 nautical
miles for en-route control purpose.
65. What is Secondary
Surveillance Radar (SSR)?
A secondary surveillance radar
provides, after processing of data transmitted by the aircraft,
the range, bearing, altitude and identity (callsign) of
an aircraft. The coverage can reach 250 nautical miles.
A SSR can provide more useful information than Primary Surveillance
Radar (PSR) but is subject to the proper functioning of
the aircraft's transponder. To provide the best radar picture
with a continuous display of aircraft targets, the SSR is
usually paired with a PSR for air traffic control operation.
66. What is Instrument
Landing System (ILS)?
An ILS is a standard International
Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) precision landing aid
provides accurate azimuth and descent guidance signals for
use by aircraft for landing on the runway even under adverse
weather conditions.
67. What is Doppler
Very High Frequency Omni-directional Range and Distance
Measuring Equipment (DVOR/DME) System?
A DVOR/DME standard International
Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) radio navigational aid
that provides bearing and distance information to aircraft
and to define air traffic control routes for en-route, terminal
and instrument approach/departure procedures.
Aviation
Security/ Regulated Agent Regime
68. What is the Regulated
Agent Regime?
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 implemented a requirement
for strengthening the security of air cargo since 6 March
2000. 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 security controls.
The Regulated Agent Regime is a system under which a cargo
handling age nt, freight forwarder or any other entity of
air cargo can be qualified as a Regulated Agent.
69. What is a Regulated
Agent?
A Regulated Agent is an agent, freight forwarder
or any other entity which conducts business with an airline
operator, meets the requirements of the Hong Kong Aviation
Security Programme and has registered with the Civil Aviation
Department.
70. What are the basic requirements
of being a Regulated Agent?
The requirements are:
- Accept cargo from recognised Known Consignors and carry
out security controls on cargo received from other consignors
except exempted cargo
- Protect the security integrity of the cargo after acceptance
until delivery to the airlines or another regulated agent
- Develop and implement a security programme which includes
details of the agent's cargo operating procedures for
meeting the requirements of the Regime and security
training to be provided to operating staff to familiarise
with the operations of the Regime. Also the Regulated
Agent has to ensure that all their staff are familarised
with the Handling
Procedures for Regulated Agent Regime (RAR).
- Register with the Civil Aviation Department.
Please click here to download the application
form for Registration as Regulated Agent (CAD HKRAR (6/2005)(E)).
71. How does the Regulated Agent
Regime affect a consignor?
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.
72. How do I know whether my agent
is a Regulated Agent?
Civil Aviation Department publishes a list
of Regulated Agents regularly.
73. If I am a
shipper, how can I become a Known Consignor?
Under the regime, a Regulated Agent or an
airline operator can recognise a consignor whom it has established
business as Known Consignor by:
-
Establishing and registering the identity and address
of the consignor and the agent authorized to carry out
deliveries on his behalf; and
-
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
- he has made his best endeavour to protect
the consignments against unauthorised interference
during preparation, storage, and transportation
- he agree that the packaging and contents
of his consignments may be examined for security reasons.
- he employs reliable staff to prepare the
consignments
If you have a business account with a cargo
agent which is a Regulated Agent, you can request it to
recognise 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. You should apply this code for
identification of your status in the shipping documents
when you tender your cargo for shipment.
74. If I become a Known Consignor,
what should I do when I tender my cargo to the Regulated
Agent or airlines?
You 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.
75. What is Exempted Cargo?
Certain cargo is exempted from security
controls. They include cargo designated to be carried on
board cargo only aircraft, transfer air cargo (cargo making
connections with different flights), human remains, live
animals, bona fide life-saving materials and items less
than 6.3mm thick. For details, please check with your Regulated
Agent or airline.
76. Does a Known Consignor Aviation
Security Declaration have an expiry period?
The Regulated Agent or airline should revalidate
a Known Consignor Aviation Security Declaration not more
than 3 years.
77. What
should a Regulated Agent do if it changes its company name
or removes its office or warehouse?
Regulated Agents should fill in a “Notification of Change of Company Particulars” and send it together with the necessary documents specified therein at least 5 working days before the
effective date to Civil Aviation Department for processing.
78. How
will the Civil Aviation Department communicate with the
Regulated Agents on any new directions relating to the Regulated
Agent Regime?
The Civil Aviation Department issues Notice
to Regulated Agents to inform them of any new directions. These
Notices are normally sent by fax hence a Regulated Agent
shall keep the Civil Aviation Department informed its contact
fax numbers.
Applying private non-revenue flights to/from Hong Kong
79. What declaration is required for applying private non-revenue flights to/from Hong Kong outside office hours?
According to the AIC01/07, applicants are required to complete a declaration. The declaration can be downloaded here.
Passenger Fuel Surcharge
80. Why do airlines levy the passenger fuel surcharge? What are the considerations for determining the surcharge? Do airlines levy the surcharge outside Hong Kong?
Owing to the fluctuation in aviation fuel prices, airlines levy the passenger fuel surcharge to partially recover the increase in their operating costs.
In accordance with the existing bilateral air services agreements, airlines should consider all relevant factors including their operating costs, passengers' interest, the tariffs charged by other operators on the same routes etc in determining the fuel surcharge and should only levy the surcharge with the approval of the relevant aeronautical authorities. CAD will take into account changes in the prices of aviation fuel, the justifications provided by airlines and other relevant factors when considering fuel surcharge applications.
Airlines levy the passenger fuel surcharge in other places as well. At present, the average passenger fuel surcharges for short haul services and long haul services on comparable routes outside Hong Kong are about HK$413 and HK$1040 respectively.
Summary of Passenger & Cargo Fuel Surcharges
Implementation of Security Controls for Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAGs)
81. What exactly are liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs)?
LAGs included:
• drinks, including water, soup, syrup;
• creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, cosmetics, including mascara, lip gloss, lip balm, etc;
• sprays and mini pressurised containers, including shaving foam and spray deodorants;
• pastes, including toothpastes;
• gels, including hair and shower gel;
• liquid-solid mixtures;
• any other items of similar consistency at room temperature.
82. Can I take water/ drinks / foods with liquids through the security screening check point at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA)?
Water, drinks or foods with liquids stored in containers no larger than 100 ml and placed in a clear re-sealable plastic bag with maximum capacity of 1 litre with other LAGs are allowed through the security screening check point at HKIA. To avoid inconvenience, passengers should purchase water or other drinks in shops after the security screening check point and airlines do provide water during the flight.
83. What will happen to LAG and their containers that cannot be brought through the security screening check point?
All such items will be disposed of. To facilitate the security screening process and avoid unnecessary disposal of your LAGs at the security screening check point, passengers should pack any LAGs that are not required for the flight in the hold baggage.
84. Do these new requirements on LAGs apply to check-in baggage?
No. These new requirements on carriage of LAGs are only applicable to cabin baggage.
85. Is there any specific requirement on the shape or size of the 1-litre plastic bag?
No. The most common ones that has been used where the measures have been implemented since November 2006 , e.g. US and EU, with size of 20cm by 20cm (8 inches by 8 inches).
86. Can I use other plastic bag other than those specified?
It is acceptable as long as the plastic bag is transparent, re-sealable and no larger than 1-litre capacity.
87. Where can I get such a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag of the required size?
It is commonly available in supermarkets and household product stores.
88. Is there a restriction on the number of containers I can put into the 1-litre plastic bag?
No. Each container however must be 100ml or less and all of them must fit "comfortably" in the 1-litre bag. Normally, a 1-litre bag can comfortably fit five 100ml containers. Any containers with LAGs in excess that cannot fit into the 1-litre bag or containers larger than 100ml with LAGs will have to be discarded at the security screening check point.
89. Do the LAGs have to be in their original containers?
No. LAGs can be stored in any container as long as the size of their container does not exceed 100 ml.
90. Does the container need to be transparent?
No.
91. Can I take LAGs in containers bigger than 100ml?
Not in the 1-litre plastic bag or in the cabin baggage. They have to be packed in the bag that you check-in as hold baggage subject to Dangerous Goods Regulations.
92. Can I bring empty containers through the security screening check point?
Yes. Empty containers, irrespective of their capacity, are allowed to be brought through the security screening check point.
93. What is the exemption for medication in LAG form?
LAG form medication, including Chinese medicine and "off the shelf" LAG medication such as cough syrup or contact lens solution, is exempted from the 100ml requirement. If such medication is stored in container(s) larger than 100ml, it should be presented separately to security screening officer for x-ray inspection. Passengers may be asked to provide verification for the product, such as a doctor's letter, proof of prescription or passenger's name printed on the label of the medicine. To facilitate the screening process, passengers are recommended to put LAG form medication under 100ml in the 1-litre transparent plastic bag, together with other LAGs. LAG form medication that are not required for the flight should be packed into the hold baggage.
94. What is the exemption for baby milk / juice / food etc?
Baby milk, juice, sterilised water, food in LAG form is exempted from the 100ml requirement. Passengers are allowed to take sufficient amount for the flight. If the baby milk / juice / food in LAG form is stored in container(s) larger than 100ml, it should be presented separately to security screening officer for x-ray inspection and your accompanying baby should be present at the security screening check point. To facilitate the screening process, passengers are recommended to pack the baby milk, juice, sterilised water, food in LAG form that are not required for the flight into the hold baggage.
95. I am a breast feeding mother and I will be travelling without my child. Is my expressed breast milk exempted from the restrictions?
Yes, expressed breast milk of breast feeding mothers travelling without their child is exempted from the 100ml requirement. To facilitate the screening process, you should present these exempted items separately to the security screening officer for x-ray inspection at the check point.
96. How about baby milk powder formula?
Powder formula is not classified as LAGs and the restriction does not apply.
97. Can passengers bring LAG items purchased at HKIA onto their departing flight?
Yes, passengers can bring LAG items purchased at shops located beyond the security screening check points at HKIA on board their departing flight.
However, if such passengers have to transfer to another flight at the next port of call, they should check with their airlines on the requirements at the transferring airports for carriage of LAG purchases.
98. Can transfer passengers bring their LAG items purchased at other airports or on board aircraft through the transfer security screening check point at HKIA?
Yes, if such items are in containers no larger than 100 ml and placed with other LAGs in a clear re-sealable plastic bag with maximum capacity of 1 litre.
LAG purchases that are in excess of 100ml may be allowed through the security screening check point at HKIA upon satisfactory checks if they meet the following requirements:
• i. purchased from airports which have implemented similar security controls on LAGs; or
• ii. purchased on board Hong Kong registered aircraft; or
• iii. purchased on board non-Hong Kong registered aircraft whose previous port of call is an airport which has implemented similar security controls on LAGs; and
• iv. LAG purchases are packed in a sealed plastic bag that is both tamper-evident and display satisfactory proof of purchase on the day(s) of the journey.