CBP Expects to Soon Issue Container Security Device Requirements, Testing to Follow
During a recent speech at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Basham discussed a variety of cargo security issues.
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This is Part I of a multi-part series of summaries highlighting CBP Commissioner Basham's remarks and focuses on the issue of Container Security Devices (CSDs, also referred to as "Smart Boxes" by the Commissioner). See future issues of ITT for additional summaries on Basham's remarks on other cargo security issues.
CSDs to be Vital Link, But Perfect Technology Probably a Long Way Off
According to Basham, the CSD capability would be the vital link that would close the loop between Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) supply chain security at the point of stuffing, information-based risk assessment, and secure ports; however, the perfect CSD technology is probably a long way off and may prove to be far too expensive.
Basham stated that CBP is currently working with the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS') Science and Technology Directorate to determine the technical and administrative requirements for the CSD.
(CBP's original vision was for CSDs to senda signal when the container's door had been opened or breached in transit that could be read by CBP with either a fixed or handheld reader. The signal would tell CBP which containers pose a potential security issue, warranting an inspection.)
CSD Requirements Expected Soon, 60 - 90 Day Test Period to Follow
Commissioner Basham stated that he expects to set forth CBP's requirements for CSDs soon. Shortly thereafter, CBP expects to test CSD technology to see if available technology meets CBP's requirements. Basham states that CBP intends to move quickly and that the testing phase would be completed within about 60 to 90 days, after which CBP intends to promptly evaluate the results.
Basham also noted that he is confident that CBP will be able to handle what likely will be less than 1 or 2 percent false positives from CSDs.
CSDs That Meet CBP's Requirements to Become Part of C-TPAT
According to Commissioner Basham, the use of CSDs, if they meet CBP's requirements, will become part of the C-TPAT program and, at a minimum, should be viewed as a C-TPAT best practice.
Also emphasized by Commissioner Basham is the fact that CSDs will move CBP one step closer to realizing the "Green Lane," as there can be no "Green Lane" without CSDs.
Use of Simple CSDs on a Voluntary Basis Would Avoid Uncertainty, Delays
Commissioner Basham notes that the beauty of CBP's CSD system will be its voluntary nature - companies can choose the relatively small cost of simple CSDs, approved by CBP, that will lead to faster, more predictable customs processing, or they can choose the cost of less predictable customs clearances and potential delays.
(Basham opines that CSD manufacturers will have an incentive to keep the price low, as companies will not be required to use the devices.)
Commissioner Basham's remarks (dated 07/11/07) available athttp://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/commissioner/speeches_statements/commish_remarks_csc.xml.