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