US security chief reveals 100% scanning rule may be scrapped
US Homeland Security chief Janet Napolitano (pictured), speaking to press at the World Port Centre at Rotterdam, said 100% scanning was “probably not the best way to go”, IFW reported.
The requirement, introduced by Congress in 2007, meant all containers would need to x-rayed at the foreign port of loading by 2014.
Napolitano indicated that Congress was now considering a more layered approach to container security and was developing a combined system, which would include scanning, data analysis, risk analysis, physical checks and closer co-operation with ports and countries around the world.
She said: “I think what we have learnt over time is that there are many different ways to achieve a security objective. You have to have multiple layers that operate effectively.”
However, Matthew Beddow, Managing Editor of IFW’s sister publication Containerisation International, pointed out that Napolitano had not guaranteed that the 100% scanning requirement would be overturned.
He said: “As matters stand, the US government still requires 100% scanning by 2014, and all overseas ports have been gearing up for it. So Napolitano’s words may encourage a few to take their foot off the pedal, particularly as this is not the first time that her doubts have been openly revealed.
“On the other hand, Napolitano is not in charge of US foreign policy, and Washington may well harbour different views.”
Initially, the target for implementation of the controversial requirement was set as 2012, but this was later extended to 2014 because of concerns that ports would not be able to meet the deadline.
Any container bound for the US would have to be scanned for conventional – as well as radioactive – threats before being loaded onto a vessel at a foreign port.
The scheme had been criticised because its implementation would need to be paid for by non-US ports and because the process could cause disruption to the supply chain.
The requirement, introduced by Congress in 2007, meant all containers would need to x-rayed at the foreign port of loading by 2014.
Napolitano indicated that Congress was now considering a more layered approach to container security and was developing a combined system, which would include scanning, data analysis, risk analysis, physical checks and closer co-operation with ports and countries around the world.
She said: “I think what we have learnt over time is that there are many different ways to achieve a security objective. You have to have multiple layers that operate effectively.”
However, Matthew Beddow, Managing Editor of IFW’s sister publication Containerisation International, pointed out that Napolitano had not guaranteed that the 100% scanning requirement would be overturned.
He said: “As matters stand, the US government still requires 100% scanning by 2014, and all overseas ports have been gearing up for it. So Napolitano’s words may encourage a few to take their foot off the pedal, particularly as this is not the first time that her doubts have been openly revealed.
“On the other hand, Napolitano is not in charge of US foreign policy, and Washington may well harbour different views.”
Initially, the target for implementation of the controversial requirement was set as 2012, but this was later extended to 2014 because of concerns that ports would not be able to meet the deadline.
Any container bound for the US would have to be scanned for conventional – as well as radioactive – threats before being loaded onto a vessel at a foreign port.
The scheme had been criticised because its implementation would need to be paid for by non-US ports and because the process could cause disruption to the supply chain.
