Chokechai Rattanamaythanon, head of project business development, said the equipment would reduce inspection time when Thai exports reached US ports.

With the instalment of the digital devices, US Custom officials will randomly check containers together with a computer results report. The US Customs and Border Protection Department of Homeland Security will implement more stringent import restrictions on cargo containers next year.

The restrictions require advanced electronic presentation of data for all cargo shipments imported into the United States. Exporters also have to document guarantees of shipment security inspection.

The September 11 terrorist attack in the US has caused its government to draw up more protective regulations to inspect cargo and people entering the country.

In October, Samsung's parent company Samsung Corporation in Korea inked an agreement with US-based GE Security, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of General Electric, Siemens Building Technology, an operating group of Siemens AG, and Mitsubishi Corporation to distribute container-security solutions in different regions.

Chokechai added that the container security device (CSD) would be installed inside a standard container's door frame. Companies can activate the system with a personnel data assistant (PDA), equipped with a hand-held reader flash card. A fixed reader box will be installed at the manufacturing plant's door and will be combined with computer and GE Internet control systems.

Manufacturers will receive a code from the GE that will link up a the hand-held reader device.

The electronic box will immediately work when containers pass out of the factory, transmitting signals to a computer mainframe via the code. A fixed reader box will also be installed in the port as a security double check before loading.

Then US Customs officials can check the container from a report via a computer link set up by the GE security system.

"Containers with electronic data presentation will be ensured security while US officials will only conduct random checks," Chokechai said, adding that exporters who ignored this requirement would be subjected to full inspection.

If a container is opened at sea, the electronic device will immediately send a report to the parent company. This report will be presented upon arrival at a US port.

Samsung (Thailand) is negotiating with the Thai Customs Department for cooperation in installing the fixed reader device at Bangkok Port and Laem Chabang Port to ensure full implementation next year. The company is hurrying to set up the necessary infrastructure for smooth operation.

Chokechai noted that the US was Thailand's biggest export market with 600,000 containers out of three million shipped yearly out of Thailand.

He said the set of devices would not only secure exports from their point of origin to their arrival in the US but also reduce insurance costs and strengthen exporters' competitiveness. The equipment is in use in Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Targeted customers include exporters, shippers, freight-forwarders and insurance companies.

He noted that other major importing destinations such as the EU and Japan would soon require such electronic devices to ensure security.

Achara Pongvutitham

The Nation