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EU hits at US plan to scan containers | ||||||
2007-08-03 | ||||||
A US plan to have all shipping containers scanned for security reasons would disrupt trade without diminishing the terrorist threat, the European Union said on Thursday.
The US Congress passed the bill last week. US cargo importers have attacked the measure, warning that it threatens cargo systems with chaos. While EU ports would suffer, Asia would be worse off. Giant hubs such as Singapore and Hong Kong deal with tens of thousands of containers daily. While 1.8m 20ft-equivalent containers were sent from Europe to the US in 2006, according to London-based Drewry Shipping Consultants, there were 13.7m from Asia.
Brussels is examining whether the law breaches World Trade Organisation and World Customs Organisation rules.
The US already has customs officials sampling containers in countries considered to be a risk, such as Dubai. It would be hard to quantify the price of scanning, though each container movement cost about $30-$50, said Drewry Shipping Consultants.
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Posted by:lotp |
#9 risk analysis Sounds too much like [gasp] profiling. We'd better abandon it! László Kovács obviously benefits directly from the EU Accent Marks Subsidy™ And coming into the third turn it's Fraaank, Frank G. heading towards a neck and neck photofinish for Snark O' the Day™! Now you know how we've felt for the last sixty years. "I guess the foot's on the other hand now, isn't it Kramer?" [/Airplane!] without significantly driving up the cost of doing bid-ness with China Stop, stop! Yer ripping my heart out! |
Posted by: Zenster 2007-08-03 21:21 |
#8 László Kovács obviously benefits directly from the EU Accent Marks Subsidy™ LOL, Frank! Seriously, I do NOT think 100% is honestly "do-able," without significantly driving up the cost of doing bid-ness with China, Europe et. al. Of course, I see that as a feature, not a bug. I'm sick of poisoined dog food, lead-painted toys, etc. making their way to our markets. If I were a true cynic, I would almost wonder if China were trying to give us the financial version of "death by a thousand cuts" with all their export snafu's lately. |
Posted by: BA 2007-08-03 14:11 |
#7 László Kovács, the European customs commissioner, said the unilateral action would force Europe’s taxpayers to foot the bill for US security. Geez, now there's a switch. Pisses you off don't it, Lazlo? Now you know how we've felt for the last sixty years. |
Posted by: tu3031 2007-08-03 13:14 |
#6 US cargo importers have attacked the measure Take away their import license. Yesterday. |
Posted by: Icerigger 2007-08-03 10:06 |
#5 The European Commission said the law, which would take effect within five years, would place a “very heavy financial burden on EU business and ultimately its taxpayers” Perhaps lowering other |
Posted by: Raj 2007-08-03 08:06 |
#4 László Kovács obviously benefits directly from the EU Accent Marks Subsidy™ |
Posted by: Frank G 2007-08-03 06:54 |
#3 Seattle, San Francisco Mixed feelings. How about Berzerkly? I know it is not a port... |
Posted by: twobyfour 2007-08-03 02:50 |
#2 F**k these ignorant, whining EU bastards. If they had even one functioning brain cell, they'd be eager to do this to protect themselves also. Do the fools not believe the Islamos would not like to take out a port in the EU as well as the US? Just one container with a nuke aboard could cause a very bad day. So much worse than a bridge going down. Can you imagine the city of Seattle, San Francisco, Long Beach or Miami just disappearing because one can't be troubled to check each and every container? The damn delay and cost to the importers is quite justified for our protection. Either do it or drop out of the game. We don't give a flying f**k about your opinions. |
Posted by: Woozle Elmeter2970 2007-08-03 00:56 |
#1 The EU is not in an advisory role here. |
Posted by: newc 2007-08-03 00:24 |