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set 1 January 1984 as the target date. for full compliance

with Annex 18 and Technical Instructions.

Hong Kong is a

party to the Convention through its application to British

dependent territories by HMG. But, even if it were not,

it is highly desirable that Hong Kong should apply

internationally recognised standards for the safe carriage

of dangerous goods by air.

4.

A system of regulation and supervision of the

transportation of dangerous goods by airline operators is

presently enforced under Article 41 of the Air Navigation

(Overseas Territories) Order 1977. Whilst the system is

in compliance with ICAO standards and requirements, it

falls short of full compliance with Annex 18 and the

Technical Instructions in that, at present, there is no

legislation to control the preparation, packing,

labelling, marking or offering of dangerous goods for

carriage by air.

5.

The Bill provides that the Governor in Council

may make regulations aimed at securing compliance with

Annex 18 and the Technical Instructions by shippers,

freight forwarders and others, subject to express

exemptions, and it is intended that the approval of

regulations by the Governor in Council be sought once this

Bill has passed into law.

/6.

The Bill