As good as a rest

摘要

Over the past year, these columns have increasingly concerned themselves with security matters. It is hardly surprising; the war against terrorism defines the new trading environment and all businesses involved in the transport of dangerous goods are becoming used to being regarded with suspicion. Regulatory authorities are having to draft new codes and conventions on security - IMO held a diplomatic conference on the subject only last month - and transport operators are also having to deal with a larger number of regulatory agencies. This is undoubtedly the most significant change to the rules governing the transport of dangerous goods since the establishment of the UN Committee of Experts back in the 1950s. Security concerns are also leading to higher insurance costs for operators and border delays to shipments, especially in the US. Even the jurisdiction - or at least influence - of national agencies is broadening, with US Customs, for instance, setting up agreements with other countries and having its own personnel on hand to check containers before they depart for the US.