BSI to Develop New System for Screening Cargo

Will new approach for assessing risk be an improvement over current practices in container screening?

Published: Monday, October 31, 2011 - 11:29

(BSI: Reston, VA) -- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) has awarded a contract to BSI Group’s Supply Chain Solutions business unit to create a protocol to aid the screening of cargo at U.S. ports. BSI will work with DHS S&T-sponsored engineers in a project designed to integrate data from new detection systems, along with BSI’s proprietary intelligence on cargo disruption and anti-Western terrorism, in order to better identify high-risk containers.

“BSI’s extensive knowledge and assessments of global supply-chain risk were key factors to our selection,” says Dan Purtell, senior vice president of BSI Supply Chain Solutions. “Combining what we know in terms of country and in-transit supply chain risk factors with what we don’t know—potential harmful devices and materials onboard an inbound shipment—provides for smarter risk-based targeting and inspection.”

BSI will leverage its experience and intelligence in supply-chain security to help determine if this new approach to assessing risk is an improved approach over current practices in container screening. The project also draws on BSI’s experience in supporting U.S. Customs and Border Protection with supply-chain security information, analysis, and training.

BSI maintains one of the largest, continuously-updated, nongovernmental proprietary databases, which includes comprehensive cargo disruption analysis in more than 200 countries, cargo theft exposure, up-to-date country risk analysis, and terrorism threats to in-transit shipments. The detailed data are then leveraged to guide and prioritize resources to best address threats. “BSI is committed to provide valuable and actionable guidance to our clients,” adds Purtell.

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BSI

BSI (British Standards Institution) works with more than 80,000 clients in 172 countries to help them adopt and cultivate the habits of excellence. Clients are trained and provided with practical guidance for implementation alongside a suite of compliance tools. BSI is assessed and accredited by more than 26 accreditation bodies including ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB) and United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). BSI’s influence plays a key role within the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). As one of the founding members, it ensures that international standards address business and societal needs, while delivering real benefits to organizations.