Critical Considerations for Cooperation Between Regulated Agents: Ensuring Air Cargo Supply Chain Security
The Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department (HKCAD) has recently issued Notice No. 2/2025, emphasizing the responsibilities of Regulated Agents (RAs) when conducting inter-RA operations, particularly in co-loading and Master Air Waybill (MAWB) assignment processes. This notice aims to safeguard the security and integrity of the air cargo supply chain and ensure safe air transport.
Key Requirements for Inter-RA Operations
HKCAD underscores that all RAs participating in inter-RA operations must adhere to the following critical requirements:
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Accurate and Complete Documentation: Shipping documents must contain accurate and complete information to ensure receiving parties have a clear understanding of each consignment’s details.
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Rigorous Security Screening: Unknown (UNK) cargo must undergo appropriate security screening before being accepted as known (SPX) cargo. When high-density items or suspicious objects are detected, RAs should cooperate with open-box checks or consult shippers to clarify concerns. Cargo that fails security screening must be rejected and cannot be designated as SPX cargo.
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Proper Documentation and Record-Keeping: RAs must complete and sign the Regulated Agent Aviation Security Declaration (RAASD) and Form of Undertaking for Inter-RA AWB Handling (FoU) (the latter only for MAWB assignment), and maintain records as required for traceability purposes.
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Contractor Management: Ensure all contractors (including warehouse, transportation, and screening service contractors) sign the respective declarations, clearly understand, and comply with aviation security requirements.
Liability Attribution and Risk Management
HKCAD specifically reminds issuing carrier’s agents (acting as MAWB assignors or receiving RAs) that they may be held responsible for non-compliance or security incidents. To minimize disputes, carrier’s agents are advised to incorporate appropriate provisions in their consignment arrangements, clearly defining the responsibilities of all parties, particularly regarding security screening, cargo processing, and other operational requirements.
Major deficiencies that significantly impact aviation security or impair a company’s ability to fulfill RA responsibilities will result in suspension or deregistration of RA status. HKCAD will continue monitoring the situation and, if necessary, implement further regulatory actions to ensure air cargo security.
管制代理人之間的合作：確保航空貨運供應鏈安全的關鍵注意事項
香港民航處最近發布了第2/2025號通告，重申管制代理人在進行相互操作時的責任，特別是在集運和空運提單轉讓過程中的保安要求。此通告旨在確保航空貨運供應鏈的安全和完整性，保障航空運輸安全。
管制代理人相互操作的關鍵要求
民航處強調，所有參與相互操作的管制代理人必須遵循以下重要規範：
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提供準確完整的信息：在裝運單據中必須提供準確和完整的信息，確保接收方能清楚了解每票貨物的詳情。
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嚴格執行保安檢查：非已知貨物必須經過適當的保安檢查才能接收為已知貨物。若發現高密度物品或可疑物品，管制代理人應配合進行開箱檢查或諮詢托運人釐清疑問。未通過保安檢查的貨物必須被拒絕，不得視為SPX貨物。
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妥善填寫及保存文件：必須填妥及簽署《管制代理人航空保安聲明》和《管制代理人之間相互借單承諾書表格》（後者僅適用於主空運提單轉讓），並按規定保存文件以便追溯。
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管理承辦商責任：確保各類承辦商（包括貨倉、運輸及安檢服務承辦商）簽署相應的聲明，明確了解並遵守航空保安規定。
責任歸屬與風險管理
民航處特別提醒，若發生不合規情況或安全事故，承運人代理（作為主空運提單借出人或收貨管制代理人）可能需要承擔責任。為減少爭議，建議承運人代理在托運安排中加入適當條款，明確界定各方的責任，特別是針對保安檢查、貨物處理和其他操作安排的具體要求。
對航空保安構成重大影響或嚴重妨礙公司履行管制代理人職責的嚴重缺失，將導致管制代理人資格被暫停或撤銷。民航處將持續監察情況，必要時採取進一步規管行動以確保空運安全。
