BIMCO, ITALIAN CUSTOMS SIGN ANTI-SMUGGLING AGREEMENT

BIMCO, ITALIAN CUSTOMS SIGN ANTI-SMUGGLING AGREEMENT    The Baltic and International Maritime Council has signed its 14th anti-drug smuggling agreement with Italian Customs.
   BIMCO shipowners that are covered by these types of agreements can avoid delays and in some cases mitigate applicable fines when drugs are found on board. The exchange of information between customs administrations and shipowners is also increased.
   “These agreements represent a commitment from both sides to cooperate in the battle against drug smugglers,” said Ove Tvedt, deputy secretary general of BIMCO, who signed the agreement with Italian Customs Director Mario Andrea Guaiana in Rome Wednesday.
   “As efforts are not being made on an international scale aimed at tightening security on ships and ports, owners that are participating in the anti-drug smuggling programs will be a step ahead of companies that have not chosen to do so,” Tvedt said. “These agreements also protect the free movement of innocent cargoes whilst helping customs detect contraband.”
   BIMCO has signed similar agreements with customs administrations of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States. More than 60 percent of BIMCO’s 1,500 shipowner members participate in one or more of the anti-drug smuggling agreements.