Express carriers ink Hong Kong pacts
Four associations representing many of the world’s biggest air express operators signed a series of cooperative accords with Hong Kong Customs & Excise aimed at streamlining operations and fighting fraud.
“The signing of the (memoranda) underlines the extent of the excellent cooperation between Hong Kong Customs and the express cargo industry in the clearance of express consignments,” said John Tsang, commissioner of Customs & Excise.
This is the first time that such a large number of worldwide express carrier associations have signed such accords with a customs administration on a single occasion.
The four are the Conference of Asia Pacific Express Carriers, Air Courier Conference of America, Conference of Latin American Express Companies Carriers and Hong Kong International Courier Association. Among their ranks are DHL Corp., FedEx Corp, United Parcel Service and TNT.
“Customs and the express cargo industry are natural partners in the clearance of express consignments. We have a clear convergence of interest to maintain and secure the swift movement of cargo while ensuring compliance with laws and regulations for the protection of our society,” Tsang said.
The accords will provide the necessary framework to promote and support efficiency in customs controls and facilitation of trade, he said.
Tsang said the operators could act as important partners of Hong Kong Customs in facilitating legitimate trade while combating smuggling and other fraud.
Joint programs under the deals cover establishment of channels for consultation, exchange of information concerning air cargo consignments, cooperation in detection and prevention of offenses, organization of training and maximum use of information technology.
