Standard mechanical seals for containers may yet become law.

(From Lloyds List)

Byline: Observers say the mechanical seal proposal will enshrine into law an already common practice, writes Rajesh Joshi in New York

THE notion of every container bound for a US port and potentially in global trade being required by law to have a standard mechanical seal has gained traction as a result of a recommendation by an industry subcommittee appointed by the US Department of Homeland Security.

The Maritime Transportation Security Act subcommittee of the department's advisory committee on commercial operations of customs and border protection has recommended that the mechanical seal requirement, officially described as a 'short-term minimum in-transit container security enhancement', come into force within 12 months of the issuance of the final rule.

Elaine Dezenski, the department's director of cargo and trade policy, refused to specify when the rule might be introduced, but said it would undergo the normal public comment period.

The MTSA subcommittee includes representatives from intermodal industries, including ocean carriers, ports, shippers and labour unions. The proposed seal rule is part of a two-pronged approach, the second element being the identification of acceptable criteria for secure shipment systems or 'smart shipments'.

No deadline is proposed for these enhancements. But experts say the two recommendations provide shape and form, if not direction, to a convoluted and rather controversial post-Sept. 11 issue.