Under the US anti-terrorism regulations, some 20 ports have been selected globally for screening containers bound for seaports in the United States, they said.

The ports including Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Pusan in Asia are selected for implementing a new container security initiative (CSI) launched last year to help prevent global containerised cargo from being exploited by terrorists.

Bangladeshi businessmen think the CSI is very important for local exporters as the US is one of the largest export destinations of Bangladesh.

The CSI is now being implemented by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), under the US Department of Homeland Security, at the selected ports.

The number of ports for such screening will be increased in future, the US customs officials told the discussion organised by Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) in collaboration with the US Embassy in Dhaka.

Peter R Darvas, assistant customs attache of the US Embassy in Singapore and Patrick A Day, customs representative of the US Department of Homeland Security, made a presentation on the container security system at the programme.

They presented details on the CSI and Bio-terrorism Act (BTA), to be imposed on US-bound food products, to local exporters, C&F agents, businessmen and representatives of pre-shipment inspection companies.

The US officials said the CSI is following the security criteria of high-risk containers based on advanced information.

Peter R Darvas said the United States made profound changes in their container security system after the September 11 terrorist attack on the US.

They are now maintaining 100 per cent inspection of the containers at the foreign ports of landing through targeting and screening.

He also said that any examination resulting in positive findings will be managed by host country customs officials for necessary action.

Patrick A Day made presentation on the BTA, which will come into effect from December 12 this year. Under the act, exporters of food products will have to register with the US Food and Drug Administration.

The registration will begin on October 12.