EU and US adopt new measures to strengthen maritime container security

The first measures contributing to strengthening the security of maritime container transport have been agreed by the EU and the US. The measures, adopted yesterday under the framework of the EC-US Joint Customs Co-operation Committee, include the creation of an information exchange network, the agreement on minimum requirements applicable for all European ports willing to participate in the US Container Security Initiative (CSI) and identification of best practices concerning security controls of international trade. They also include a pilot project that focuses on shipments transiting through both the US and the EU with a view to testing the feasibility of exchanging cargo information on transhipments and freight remaining on board to enable customs authorities to identify, monitor and assess the risk associated with transhipments.

The US has invited the EC to post liaison officers at the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) National Targeting Centre, which will further improve the exchange of information, the sharing of best practices and the refinement of common risk indicators with regard to the terrorist threat.

With the aim of facilitating legitimate trade while securing the supply chain, EC and US experts will study the industry partnership programs applied in the EC and the US. The outcome of the study will support the further cooperation towards the development of mutually acceptable reciprocal industry partnership programs.

Recognising that emerging technologies can promote greater efficiency and can improve security in the international supply chain, both sides agreed to establish a joint group of appropriate experts to explore innovative developments and their application.

•Date: 16th Nov 2004 • Region: EU/UK/N.America •Type: Article •Topic: Terrorism
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