European Commission proposes new rules to protect freight transport against terrorism

The European Commission has proposed new European rules to protect freight transport better against terrorist attacks. These rules will enhance the security of the supply chain in land transport. The rules will allow operators which participate in the scheme to enjoy benefits in the area of security control and give such operators an enhanced security standing in their relations with commercial partners, including insurance companies.

Jacques Barrot, vice-president responsible for transport stated: “the new rules will make the European Union the first trading bloc in the world to add a full security dimension to all forms of freight transport. These rules will help to prevent terrorist attacks in the EU”.

The proposal strengthens the prevention against possible terrorist attacks in the EU by promoting security on inland transportation of goods by trucks, trains and also barges. It “reconciles the goal of increased security with ensuring a rapid trade flow in the European market and complements existing European rules for air and maritime transport as well as airport and seaport security”.

The proposal:

* Invites commercial operators to bring their security performance in the supply chain up to minimum European standards. Such operators will receive ‘secure operator’ status from national authorities for a period of three years which is renewable;

* Allows a nationally awarded ‘secure operator’ EU-wide recognition;

* Facilitates the creation of secure supply chains consisting of ‘secure operators’;

* Enables a ‘secure operator’ to enjoy fast track treatment at security checks both inside the EU (e.g. ports) and at external borders where customs are implementing new security rules;

* Encourages ‘secure operators’ to positively distinguish themselves from non-secure competitors in the transport market.

To obtain secure operator status an operator will have to implement and document a security management system, ensure that resources are made available to counter security risks, and meet a number of other specific requirements relating to issues such as physical protection of buildings, access control, personnel and security procedures.

Secure operator status can be withdrawn in case of serious or repeated breach of security requirements, in which case the operator may re-apply only after two years.

•Date: 1st March 2006• Region: UK/W.Europe • Type: Article •Topic: Terrorism
Rate this article or make a comment - click here