HONG KONG. Airport Authority Hong Kong will introduce new security measures on the transport of LAGs (Liquids, Aerosols and Gels) from tomorrow. But in a welcome move, (and as reported last week) the airport will accept LAGs in sealed Tamper Evident Bags (TEBs) from transferring passengers.
The Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association (APTRA) reminded its members of the imminent move by Hong Kong in a note to members today, laying out clearly the new guidelines.
It points out that transfer passengers going through Europe, North America, Japan, Fiji or the Philippines – where new security rules have been introduced – still do not permit LAGs from transfer passengers. APTRA urged its members to remind staff not to sell LAGs to passengers transferring through these countries and regions. Currently there are no restrictions on transfer passengers in the Middle East, as states there have yet to adopt new rules.
APTRA said: “This reminder is particularly relevant following the press coverage in the English (and trade press) media yesterday, where World Duty Free announced that nearly US$1.5 million in duty free LAGs goods continue to be confiscated at its airports weekly.”
Quick guide to procedures at Hong Kong International Airport (courtesy of APTRA)
TRANSIT
Q. Will International passengers arriving in Hong Kong and then transferring onwards (internationally) be allowed to transit with Duty Free LAGs?
A. Yes
Q. Do the LAG’s goods have to be in a tamper evident bag to be allowed to transit?
A. Yes
SALES AT AIRPORT
Q. What will be the procedure for sale of duty free at HKIA?
A. AAHK will introduce a Tamper Evident Bag for all those passengers who will be transiting at the next airport.
If the passenger is traveling point to point, he can proceed with LAG purchase. If the passenger is transferring at another airport, the retailer will check whether that airport allows LAGs from Hong Kong and provide a tamper evident sealed bag.
Q. Will the duty free LAGs goods be gate delivered by the operator?
A. No (the passenger will carry the goods from point of purchase).
Q. Will the duty free LAGs goods be put into a sealed tamper evident bag?
A. Yes (but only for passengers who are transiting at the next airport)
MORE STORIES ON HKIA
Korea’s largest food company debuts at Hong Kong International Airport – 07/03/07
Nuance-Watson (HK) opens five stores at Hong Kong International Airport’s SkyPlaza – 01/03/07
