Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert (VVD, Netherlands), rapporteur on Parliament's transport committee, has written to Commissioner Barrot to request withdrawal and reconsideration of a proposal for a regulation on enhancing supply chain security aiming to provide greater protection for all European freight transport against possible terrorist attacks. The proposal would cover all land transport operations (road, rail and inland waterway) from production site to destination. The air and maritime sectors already have their own security provisions.

The Commission's aim is to establish a mandatory system requiring Member States to create a quality label guaranteeing security of the supply chain and thus the mutual recognition of suppliers involved in Europe's transport market. The operator's participation is on a voluntary basis.

"The establishment of common European security standards in the transport sector which take account of the complex processes and interfaces of the land transport supply chain is certainly a legitimate aim. The fact for instance that Member States, in particular the UK, are increasingly coming up with their own security approach is a concern to me," said Hennis-Plasschaert.

The Dutch Liberal rapporteur is questioning whether the proposal, in its current form, is the right instrument to achieve these objectives.

"I do not, however, believe this is the right way forward. The recently revised Customs Code, introducing the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) concept, offers us a realistic and better alternative. AEO standards have clearly expanded on the security component. In my view the application of the AEO security status for both, international and intra-EU trade, could and should be advocated. I am convinced that the AEO concept, whereby additional Community measures should not be excluded, offers sufficient possibilities for internal market application."

Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert plans to meet with commissioner Barrot this month to raise her concerns. The matter will then be put before Parliament's transport committee in January.