China Advance Passenger Information

During SARS epidemic in 2003, General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC), the Ministry of Health of the People‟s Republic of China (MOH), and General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People‟s Republic of China (AQSIQ) had decided to jointly introduce Advance Passenger Information (API) with a view to effective infection control. The announcement got effective on October 26, 2003. Historically, the corresponding implementation guide supports United States Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce, and Transport (US/EDIFACT) message set.

The Airport Departure and Arrival Passenger Information System (ADAPIS) was developed to act as a gateway for air carriers to electronically transmit certain data on passengers and crew members to Chinese authorities.

Under the premise of national sovereignty and border security, the Ministry of Public Security of the People‟s Republic of China (MPS) and CAAC have published „Advance Notice Implementation Regulations for Traveler Information on International Flights‟ (shorted as „the Regulations‟ in this document) to facilitate lawful international travel. Under the Regulations, MPS/CAAC requires the advance submission of passenger and crew manifest data for certain flights operating to and from Chinese mainland.

Firstly, all passenger, cargo, and charter flights crossing Chinese mainland border, whether regular or non-regular, fall within the scope of the Regulations. That includes regional flights to and from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, whereas flights between Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan are not required.

Secondly, both inbound and outbound are required. Regarding outbound flights specifically, PAXLST messages should be transmitted in batch mode at present. Technical details to meet MPS prior clearance requirements will be discussed in other document.

This document is intended to be a technical guide for explaining the United Nations Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce, and Transport (UN/EDIFACT) PAXLST. In all cases, the regulations issued by Chinese authorities take priority over this document.