New container security checks to be applied in Israel

This newly applied container security procedure will be implemented on containers which are booked for one of the ports (Haifa/Ashdod), but in fact unloaded from vessel at the other port
 
The Israeli National Security Authorities have recently advised the importing community regarding a decision to implement a new container risk management application.
 
Subject to the new security rule, in the first stage, imported containers which are considered to be risky by the customs profiling system and which are unloaded at the port of Haifa, under an Ashdod bill of lading, will be required to go through X-Ray Screening, before departing to Ashdod.
 
Needless to say that imported containers which are not considered to be risky will be moved southbound without screening.
 
In the final stage, this newly applied container security procedure will be implemented on containers which are booked for one of the ports – Haifa / Ashdod, but in fact unloaded from vessel at the other port, and trucked at the expense of the ocean carrier by rail or via truck, prior to Customs Clearing process.
 
The ocean carrier and/or the customs broker/forwarding agent, has no direct or indirect control over these container security inspections, which, needless to say, are causing delays and extra expenses.
 
The extra expenses which will be levied are due to port fees – loading & unloading truck at the port, transfer costs to X-Ray Screener area, return the container to the port, warehousing (if applicable), waiting time at the X-Ray Screener area (if applicable) , will be charged to the importer upon release of the delivery order.
The ocean carriers intend to roll these expenses to the account of the importers, as per tariff table they will distribute at later stage.
 
These new expenses will no doubt influence any containers being moved under DDU/ DAP /DDP terms.