1 August 2006

Trade offers guidance for Senate security legislation

The following article is excerpted from the 31 July 2006 edition of “The Journal of Commerce”.

A broad coalition of supply chain interests has presented the [US] Senate leadership with guidelines for new security legislation. …

[T]he Supply Chain Security Coalition urged senators to consider the views of "some of the largest and most knowledgeable stakeholders in the supply chain system….

The coalition comprises 27 different groups representing importers, manufacturers, ports, and intermediaries. Among the letter's recommendations:

1. Authorize the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism and Container Security Initiative

2. Improve Customs and Border Protection's Automated Targeting System

3. Ensure that the Department of Homeland Security develops protocols for the resumption of trade after terrorist attack

4. Ensure the development of the International Trade Data System

The group also urged lawmakers to avoid:

1. Legislation requiring 100 percent scanning of containers

2. Legislation requiring a specific technological "solution" to problems

3. Regulation of C-TPAT, nor require third-party validations. Congress also should not remove benefits for Tier 1 C-TPAT participants.

4. Imposition of port security fees