AhoyCargo

MANILA, Philippines – In anticipation of the implementation of 100-percent scanning of cargoes bound for the United States (US), air cargo forwarders asked for the installation of security equipment in vital airports in the country. The Air Cargo Forwarders of the Philippines, Inc. (AFPI) said security equipment that were in placed in the different airports were not enough to guarantee protection of cargo in the supply chain.

The AFPI wants to have at least a guideline from the government on how to comply with the security requirements especially the all-scan security measures set to be implemented by the US in 2012.

The new US law requires 100 percent scanning of US-destined air and sea containers in foreign ports by 2012 to safely secure and protect vital trade lanes for uninterrupted flows of commerce.

The US customs have started talks with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) regarding the 100 percent scanning, to which the BOC assured of the country’s compliance.

But AFPI claimed there is little importance given to air trade. “The government should focus on both sea and air port security because the failure of any of the two will affect the impression of our trading partners with regard to outbound cargoes.”

Meanwhile, Secretary Leandro Mendoza of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said airport construction is on-going for the growing tourism industry.

http://news.balita.ph/2008/10/15/cargo-forwarders-want-security-measures-installed-in-major-airports/

By Lynda B. Valencia

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