The Government published in the Gazette today (January 21) the Dangerous Goods (Amendment) Ordinance 2002 (Commencement) Notice, the Dangerous Goods (Application and Exemption) Regulation 2012 (Commencement) Notice, the Dangerous Goods (Shipping) Regulation 2012 (Commencement) Notice, the Dangerous Goods (Control) Regulation (Commencement) Notice, the Dangerous Goods (Application and Exemption) Regulation 2012 (Amendment) Regulation 2021 (Commencement) Notice and the Dangerous Goods (Miscellaneous Amendments) Ordinance 2021 (Commencement) Notice (referred to collectively as the Commencement Notices).
To update the regulatory system for dangerous goods (DGs) with a view to aligning it with international standards, the Government has reviewed the Dangerous Goods Ordinance (Cap. 295) and its subsidiary legislation and has been making legislative amendments in phases. A total of six pieces of legislation have been enacted successively, namely the Dangerous Goods (Amendment) Ordinance 2002, the Dangerous Goods (Application and Exemption) Regulation 2012, the Dangerous Goods (Shipping) Regulation 2012, the Dangerous Goods (Control) Regulation, the Dangerous Goods (Application and Exemption) Regulation 2012 (Amendment) Regulation 2021 and the Dangerous Goods (Miscellaneous Amendments) Ordinance 2021 (referred to collectively as the relevant legislation).
The Secretary for Security has appointed March 31, 2022, as the day on which the relevant legislation comes into operation. Meanwhile, the Director of Fire Services published in the Gazette today the Code of Practice for Control of Dangerous Goods on Land for providing practical guidance to the trade. The Fire Services Department will also introduce the details of the updated regulatory system for DGs through different channels, including a thematic website, Announcements in the Public Interest, leaflets and District Fire Safety Committees, etc., and maintain close liaison with the relevant trades.
A spokesperson for the Security Bureau said, "The amended Dangerous Goods Ordinance and its subsidiary legislation align the regulatory system for DGs with international standards, and at the same time enhance the safety of the manufacture, conveyance, storage and use of DGs, while facilitating the operation of the trade and the daily use of DGs by the public. The updated regulatory system will take effect on March 31. To ensure a smooth transition from the existing regulatory system for DGs to the updated regime, a grace period of 24 months will be given for the trades and the public to adapt to the new legislation."
The Commencement Notices will be tabled at the Legislative Council for negative vetting on January 26.
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