DHS presses forward on container security device

DHS presses forward on container security device    The Department of Homeland Security is continuing to pursue development of an electronic, tamper-evident device for securing ocean containers despite technical setbacks with the product currently under evaluation.
   'The department still believes this tool is critical to securing a container,' but it also must be packaged with a strong communication system, database and software to support the device, Brian White, director of cargo, maritime and trade policy at DHS, told industry officials participating on a federal advisory panel earlier this month.
   Customs and Border Protection officials within DHS have soured on the device from GE Security that was the focus of testing so far, and are going back to the drawing board to evaluate products from other companies. The main complaint has been the reliability of the GE device in terms of generating false alarms that force CBP officers to expend limited resources checking intact boxes.
   Other makers of tracking devices combined with sensors include IBM and Savi Networks.
   The department envisions a container security device as a key component of its plan to grant so-called 'Green Lane' benefits to trusted importers that have taken extra steps to ensure the integrity of their international shipments. But whether a device could be included as part of voluntary security program or become mandatory is still unclear.
   The Science and Technology Directorate within DHS and CBP are actively working to develop internal requirements for a container security device, White said. Under the recently enacted SAFE Port Act, DHS has three months to propose a container security standard, which could include container security devices. Congress said that devices adopted for cargo security programs must be able to identify the container, detect and record unauthorized intrusions and thwart tampering.
   White said the department would begin consultations with industry early next year prior to moving forward with a formal rulemaking on container security devices to make sure device specifications and requirements can be meshed with normal business processes.