Embracing '10+2'.(port security regime, 12 additional data for screening incoming containers)

BYLINE: BY PETER TIRSCHWELL

I was pleased to read my colleague Bob Edmonson's article in last week's JoC that Customs and Border Protection is getting serious about implementing "10+2." This is the term for 12 additional pieces of information that Customs will require about each U.S.-bound container prior to it being loaded at the foreign port - 10 provided by importers and two by ocean carriers. I believe that once implemented, it will result in a needed enhancement to a port-security regime that remains far from perfect.

But not everyone will agree. Ever since 9/11, some in the trade community have resisted the concept of importers supplying additional data to be used for …