The proposal aims:
- to increase the level of security along the supply chain without impeding the free flow of trade;
- to establish minimum European standards that operators may abide by in exchange for receiving a “secure operator” status from national authorities, and;
- to avoid unnecessary administrative procedures and burdens at European and national levels.
Specific minimum requirements are set for operators involved in the four groups of activities:
- preparation of goods for shipment and shipment from the production site;
- transport of goods;
- forwarding of goods, and;
- warehousing, storage and inland terminal operations.
The Commission estimates that the voluntary scheme could attract more than 900,000 companies, covering 75% of all freight flows – mainly due to the participation of larger firms.
Indeed, estimates show that only 1% of micro-enterprises and 4% of small companies are likely to enter into the scheme, against respectively 13% and 57% of medium and large-sized companies.
Based on an evaluation of the benefits of the scheme and the terrorist threat, the Commission plans to decide whether a second phase would be necessary, making the introduction of common security measures in companies mandatory. This decision would be taken in 2011.
