AAEI opposing 100% physical, radiological screening

AAEI opposing 100% physical, radiological screening    American Association of Exporters and Importers is calling on its members to contact Congress to oppose proposals requiring all cargo to be physically inspected at foreign ports before being loaded and shipped to the United States.
   In a letter to AAEI members dated Sept. 5, Hallock Northcott, chief executive of AAEI, said: “We expect Senators Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J.; Robert Menendez, D-N.J.; or Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., to offer an amendment, similar to one offered by Representatives Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., and Ed Markey, D-Mass., during the House of Representatives debate in May, mandating 100 percent physical inspection of cargo at foreign ports before being loaded and shipped to the United States.”
   The letter also notes that the AAEI also feels Congress should not mandate 100 percent radiological or density scanning of maritime cargo containers.
   It also said Congress should not:
   * Mandate specific technology services.
   * Allow the release of confidential trade data or mandate the submission of additional trade data without cost/benefit analysis and consultation with industry.
   * Legislatively regulate the voluntary Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program.
   * Mandate the use of third party validators for C-TPAT.
   * Remove benefits for Tier One C-TPAT members.
   * Levy additional port security fees.