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PRESS RELEASES
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For Immediate Release
September 21, 2006
For Information, Contact
Peter J. Gatti
(703) 524-5011
NEW FINDINGS RELEASED ON PORT/SUPPLY CHAIN SECURITY
Arlington, VA -- The League in cooperation with the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin today released a comprehensive study that examines various institutional, legal and policy arrangements that have been established in the U.S. and overseas to enhance worldwide port and supply chain security. The study was prepared for the bi-partisan arm of the U.S. Congress – the Congressional Research Service.
League Executive Vice President Peter J. Gatti in remarking on the release of the study said, “The results and findings of this study comes at a critical time as Congressional conferees begin to weigh the final provisions which should be included in the pending port and maritime security legislation before Congress.”
A portion of the study titled: Port and Supply Chain Security Initiatives in the United States and Abroad includes the results from a survey of League members that was conducted earlier this year on the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT).
According to its findings, forty-four companies responded to the survey with 80 percent stating they were C-TPAT members. Responses centered on the lack of resources provided to fund the program; the need for increased knowledge and skill of C-TPAT enforcers and validators; as well as a call for program flexibility in order to accommodate different types of firms and the products they ship.
Generally most respondents found that the fundamental purpose behind C-TPAT is good and with additional work could achieve the balance of facilitating trade growth while simultaneously strengthening supply chain security. However many of those said that Congress is ill-equipped to effectively monitor or regulate any import-related processes as it lacks the necessary understanding of international supply chains.
The agency responsible for administering C-TPAT is the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Respondents found the agency slow, highly bureaucratic with officials poorly trained, particularly in the validation of C-TPAT participants.
As for C-TPAT’s effectiveness, some members expressed the need to mandate some elements or as an alternative for the program to realize its stated benefits.
Finally, many respondents believe the program should be wholly applicable to the international community.
In addition to its findings on C-TPAT, the study consists of 11 chapters, the first of which is a primer to the details, roles and interactions with key government agencies and international organizations. Another chapter discusses the International Maritime Organizations’ (IMO) International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS). ISPS is the international framework which assesses security vulnerabilities and threats, implements security measures, responds to security incidents and facilitates international cooperation.
Another section of the report highlights the World Customs Organization’s (WCO’s) program SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (known as SAFE).
The final chapters include seven case studies: Brazil and the Port of Santos; France and the Port of Marseille; Hong Kong and the Port of Hong Kong; India and the Port of Jawaharlal, Nehru; Mexico and the Port of Vera Cruz; the Netherlands and the Port of Rotterdam; and, South Africa and the Ports of Cape Town and Durban. Each case study consists of two parts. The first part of the case studies examine national port security, Customs regimes, and national port administrations. The second half provides an overview of security structures and processes implemented at specific ports including ISPS and the Container Security Initiative (CSI).
For a complete copy of the 238 page report and Executive Summary, click here: http://www.nitl.org/LBJSecurityReport.pdf.
While the League believes the report provides an excellent review of U.S. and international port and supply chain security, the views, findings and/or conclusions contained in the report are not necessarily the same or similar to those held by the League.
The National Industrial Transportation League is an association of companies that conduct industrial and/or commercial enterprises throughout the United States and internationally, and that are concerned with the transportation of goods in both domestic and international commerce. The League has approximately 700 separate company members, many of whom are concerned with freight transportation security including the impact that new initiatives will have in protecting supply chains while maintaining the free flow of commerce.
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