Japan Joins Container Security Initiative
The U.S. Customs Service and Japanese Customs and Tariff Bureau announced in Tokyo today, the sealing of the declaration of principles to participate on a pilot basis in the Container Security Initiative (CSI). CSI is a U.S. Customs initiative designed to prevent the smuggling of terrorist weapons in ocean-going cargo containers. Under terms of the declaration announced today, U.S. Customs officers will be stationed on a pilot basis at the ports of Tokyo, Nagoya, Kobe and Yokohama. Japanese Customs officers will be stationed in the United States at ports to be determined by the Japanese Customs and Tariff Bureau. "I applaud the Japanese Customs and Tariff Bureau for joining the Container Security Initiative (CSI)," said Commissioner Bonner. Launched by U.S.
Japan Implements CSI
Container Security Initiative (CSI) is expected to be operational at the port of Yokohama, Japan, for cargo containers destined for U.S. ports on March 24. CBP and the Japanese Customs and Tariff Bureau sealed a CSI declaration of principles on September 26, 2002. The port of Yokohama is the 10th CSI port to become operational. It joins the already operational CSI ports of Rotterdam, LeHavre, Bremerhaven, Hamburg, and Antwerp in Europe, Singapore in Asia, and Vancouver, Montreal, and Halifax in Canada. "CSI is essential to securing global trade against terrorist exploitation. The CSI security blanket is now expanding and strengthening as it encompasses the port of Yokohama," said Commissioner Bonner. "We are getting CSI implemented in all of the ports that have signed on.
Italy to Join CSI
Italy has agreed to participate in the U.S. Customs Container Security Initiative (CSI). CSI is a U.S. Customs initiative designed to prevent the smuggling of terrorists or terrorist weapons in ocean-going cargo containers. Under terms of the declaration announced today, U.S. Customs officers will be stationed at the Italian ports of La Spezia and Genoa. "I applaud the government of Italy for joining the U.S. Customs Service Container Security Initiative (CSI)," said Commissioner Bonner. "This joint declaration with Italy is yet another example of the joint efforts and continuing strong resolve in the international fight against terror. Globally, over 48 million full cargo containers move between major seaports each year.
