Air cargo service providers no longer need to secure accreditation for handling dangerous goods by air from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), at least for now.
In Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 23-2016 dated July 11, CAAP director general Capt. Antonio Buendia, Jr. temporarily suspended the requirement under MC 02-2014. The circular took effect immediately.
Beundia said the suspension was “in the interest of public service and in response to various grievances/complaints.”
He added, “appropriate guidelines governing the safe carriage/shipment by air of dangerous goods shall be issued after the review and public consultation on the existing rules/regulations regarding the responsibilities of Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders and the statutory oversight functions of this authority regarding the matter.”
In 2014, CAAP issued MC 02-2014 requiring shippers, cargo agencies, freight forwarders, cargo-handling service providers, approved maintenance organizations, and air transportation offices to obtain accreditation from the regulator.
Stakeholders, however, have been asking for a review of the country’s redundant policies and accreditation on transportation and handling of dangerous goods.
Prior to the issuance of MC 23-2016, many air cargo service providers found their accreditation revoked. Many have claimed they were not given due notice before the cancellation. – Roumina Pablo
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