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Secure freight initiative: Southampton container terminals

Secure freight initiative: Southampton container terminals

HM REVENUE AND CUSTOMS News Release (NAT 65/07) issued by The Government News Network on 19 October 2007

An international security system to scan US bound maritime container freight for nuclear and radioactive materials is being trialled at Southampton Container Terminals (SCT) as part of a six month feasibility study.

All container lorries entering SCT will drive through scanners designed to detect radioactivity, while those bound for the US will also be x-rayed. If any suspect material is present then an alarm will sound to alert HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) officers to a potential threat.

The Southampton trial is one of three such tests that the US has initiated around the globe to test the operation - the others are in Honduras and Pakistan. The US authorities are providing all the equipment and funding the trial. SCT, managed by Dubai Ports World (DPW), has agreed with the US that they would participate in the trial. HMRC, after consulting with the European Commission, has agreed to this independent trial taking place on UK territory. HMRC have also agreed to facilitate the trial and will ensure it abides by all UK and EU health and safety standards and data protection requirements.

This is an example of two types of partnership that is increasingly important in making sure the international movement of goods takes place safely and quickly. The close working together of the customs services of both the UK and the US, and the involvement of a terminal operator in helping the authorities protect the public and legitimate business.

The UK Government and the European Commission welcome the opportunity to gauge the impact of scanning export containers in a European port. HMRC will monitor the trial to assess the schemes security benefits as well as any effects on trade and EU exporters. All findings from the study will be shared with the American authorities in an evaluation report on the trials that will be submitted to the US Congress in April 2008.

Issued by HM Revenue & Customs Press Office
Website http://www.hmrc.gov.uk

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