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US Customs starts CSI in HK on May 12
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HONG KONG has agreed to start participating as of May 12 in the Container Security Initiative (CSI) pilot scheme set up by US Customs.
CSI is a programme designed to improve the security of maritime trade heading into US ports. It came into being as a result of the September 11 attacks.
Officers from US Customs will be based in Hong Kong, working with Hong Kong Customs officials to screen containers heading to US ports. They will identify any considered a potential terrorist risk.
Hong Kong Customs officers will then conduct any inspections of identified containers.
Hong Kong is the largest port in the world in terms of cargo containers handled. It also accounts for the largest share of containers entering the US, with 6,000
TEU shipped from the port to US destinations per day.
Hong Kong becomes the 11th participant in the CSI scheme. The programme is already operating in Antwerp, Bremerhaven, Halifax, Hamburg, Le Havre, Montreal, Rotterdam, Singapore, Vancouver and Yokohama.
Henry Tang, Hong Kong's Commerce Secretary, said the city considered whether local industry was prepared to participate in the CSI.
"We are keen to be as trade facilitating as possible," he said, noting that participants can submit CSI data to Hong Kong customs via fax, paper or electronic means.
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