Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited has been awarded the Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics certification from the International Air Transport Association.

Hactl is the first handler in Hong Kong to obtain the certification.

“We are very pleased with the positive outcome of the IATA CEIV Pharma Validation, and value the cross-departmental team effort that resulted in Hactl becoming the first to obtain this important certification,” said Benny Siu, senior manager of quality assurance at Hactl [right in photo].

The accreditation process involved extensive independent inspections and interviews, covering Hactl’s quality management, personnel, training, documentation, infrastructure, quarantine procedures, subcontractor management, self-inspection, transportation and operations.

“I congratulate Hactl on being the first to receive CEIV certification in Hong Kong,” said Yvonne Ho, general manager of Hong Kong and Macau at IATA [third from right in photo]. “In doing so, Hactl has achieved an internationally recognized standard for pharmaceutical handling.”

According to Hactl, the certification was as a result of an initiative sponsored by the Airport Authority of Hong Kong, under which all the relevant players at the airport will pursue the CEIV Pharma standard.

“We applaud the Airport Authority’s initiative in sponsoring this drive to adopt IATA CEIV Pharma in Hong Kong,” said Mark Whitehead, chief executive of Hactl [third from left in photo]. “It’s an excellent example of what can be achieved through collaboration, and will benefit the entire airport cargo community and its customers.”