BIMCO Signs Anti-drug Smuggling Agreement with Italy
On June 19, 2002, BIMCO established its fourteenth anti-drug smuggling agreement when the latest Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed in Rome by BIMCO and the Italian Customs. With the increasing frequency in the movement of illicit drugs to North America and Europe, combined with the increased attention given to maritime security since the tragic events of 11 September, the importance of such agreements with customs authorities becomes ever more essential for shipowners and customs administrations alike. “These agreements represent a commitment from both sides to cooperate in the battle against drug smugglers” said Ove Tvedt, Deputy Secretary General of BIMCO.
CSI Operational in Livorno, Italy
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Robert C. Bonner and Italian Customs Director General Mario Andrea Guaiana announced the Port of Livorno as the 33rd operational Container Security Initiative (CSI) port. The stand-up of Livorno completes the expansion of the Container Security Initiative in Italy. CSI developed along the guidelines set forth in the declaration of principles signed in November 2002 between Commissioner Bonner and Italian Customs Director General Mario Andrea Guaiana. CSI has been operational at the ports of Genoa and LaSpezia since June 2003. Most recently, the port of Naples became operational on September 30, 2004, and the port of Gioia Tauro on October 29, 2004.
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.
