PSI Members to Push World Cargo Declaration Regime

The 60 nations participating in the U.S.-led Proliferation Security Initiative were expected yesterday to introduce a worldwide cargo inspection regime, known as the 24-hour rule, to prevent the illegal transport of weapons of mass destruction and other dangerous items, Lloyd’s List reported (see GSN, July 27).

“The official PSI meeting is expected to recommend that advanced cargo declarations take place everywhere,” said a source close to the talks, being held in Oslo, Norway. 

The 24-hour rule is already in place for U.S.-bound cargo. Cargo data filed with U.S. customs agents at international ports would allow time to determine whether containers needed to be searched before the ship left the harbor, according to Lloyd’s List.

Maritime security experts remain concerned that terrorists are planning to attack the shipping industry. The industry recognizes “the threat from weapons of mass destruction and is prepared to cooperate closely with governments to prevent international terrorism and the illegal transport of weapons,” according to a statement released yesterday (Justin Stares, Lloyd’s List, Aug. 6).

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