US Customs continue to be committed to 100% scanning by 2012 - despite growing concerns!
The US government department responsible for border protection and security, US Customs and Border Protection, confirmed their commitment to its Secure Freight Initiative (SFI) even though there are growing concerns that the measure will backfire and bring significant delays to world trade. SFI envisages 100% scanning of all US bound containers by 2012.
There are currently trials in operation at test ports in Pakistan, Honduras, the UK and one terminal in Hong Kong, with plans to extend the trials in the coming months. Based on the pilot project in Southampton, a “leaked” confidential memo estimates the cost of 100% checks will amount to US$500 per container. The target is to introduce SFI to some 700 ports worldwide, to meet the goal to scan all inbound containers within four years. However, the European Union continues to express its “strongest concerns” stating that “it is to be regretted that the U.S. did not await the results of the pilots before pressing ahead with this legislation”.
July 2008