Security surcharges queried by IEA

Irish companies using the UK landbridge could be charged four separate security charges to move their goods to the continent while all transhipped goods could be subject to at least two surcharges.

The Irish Exporters Association has questioned charges they say exporters are being forced to pay regarding security issues.

IEA Chief Executive John Whelan has demanded that there is transparency in the calculation and breakdown of surcharge prices.

Recognised exporters now have to register through the Government's Air Cargo Security Programme (ACSP).

However, once goods leave Irish shores the provisions of the ACSP are invalid and exporters are forced to register for each country's particular security programme of the ACSP to ensure passage through that country's facilities.

Whelan said today: "Double charging in relation to security procedures should be eradicated throughout the European Union.

"This is a problem that we fear will be transferred to the sea ports once the new port security measures come in to force."

Whelan was speaking at the lunch of the Association's new Supply Chain Development Board.

Security surcharges were introduced after the September 11 terrorist attacks and after the start of the Iraq conflict.