EU officials have rejected US demand for 100 % container scanning of boxes[ds_preview] at loading port with destination US-ports. Such implementation would require sizable investments, increase transport costs significantly and entail massive welfare losses with no proven security benefit. When looking at the trade, transport and customs security implications of the legislation, it reveals that burdening port authorities, companies and, ultimately, consumers worldwide cannot be the way forward. In a study the EC conducted massive costs and repercussions would have to be faced like congestion in port and a more than annual increase of operational costs for the European ports by € 200 mill., while combined in the EU and US it would create losses of around € 10 bn. – worldwide it could be even around € 17 bn.
Instead higher levels of worldwide security standards should be implemented with information exchange and mutual recognition of reliable traders in a multi-layer approach to risk management covering the world trade. The study recommends the EU to use electronic systems and practical tools of collection of information for cargo prior to arrival and departure from the EU as the bedrock of a new maritime security system which will be rolled out still this year.
