Air-Land Fresh Lane launches to streamline fresh products transit to GBA

The Air-Land Fresh Lane, designed to streamline the transit of overseas fresh products between Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, is now in full operation following a trial period since April this year. 

This initiative, launched by the Guangdong and SAR government, along with the Airport Authority aims to simplify the transit customs clearance and quarantine process for overseas fresh and chilled products.

Through a designated channel, overseas goods can be transported to Zhuhai for customs clearance and entry into the Greater Bay Area (GBA) within three hours of arrival via the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. 

At the launching ceremony last Friday, Vivian Cheung Kar-fay, chief executive officer of the Airport Authority said this service not only helps the local logistics industry to seize opportunities in the GBA, but also expands the cargo business territory of HKIA, reinforcing its leading position in air cargo. 

The Commissioner of Customs and Excise Chan Tsz-tat highlighted the collaboration between the two governments in overcoming challenges and aligning regulations to simplify the customs process. 

This includes the establishment of a designated inspection site at the HZMB Zhuhai Port, equipped with advanced temperature-controlled facilities, as well as the adoption of technology to streamline the transit customs clearance for fresh products.

He added that there have been 10 trial runs since April to transport products such as Australian tuna, live lobsters, Mexican geoducks, live eels from Bangladesh and Thai clams.

Chan said that all inspection-completed products will have electronic locks and GPS installed on cross-border transport vehicles to reduce the chance of repeated inspections.

All goods passing through the lane will be granted a Certificate for Transshipment Confirmation to streamline the quarantine and inspection process aligned with China Customs, enabling direct import to Zhuhai.

Furthermore, the service will exempt food importers from registration requirements set by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department.