Hong Kong will extend its participation in a Secure Freight Initiative pilot until April 30 next year, the Trade & Industry Department says.

The department said the present pilot has not affected the port efficiency so far, adding the extension will allow a more comprehensive testing of the project.

The arrangements will remain the same during the extension. Containers leaving Hong Kong for the US delivered through the in-gate of a designated terminal in Kwai Chung will be scanned on a voluntary basis.

US-bound containers which have undergone the scanning process are expected to be less likely to be subject to security inspection on their arrival at the US ports.

The initiative is put forward by the US Government to safeguard global maritime cargo through cooperation with the maritime industry and governments of trading partners.