The rule is designed to extend security measures out beyond the physical borders of the United States, so that domestic ports and borders are not the first line of defense, with the objective of having more and better detailed information about all cargo as close as possible to their ports of lading for departure to the United States. The principal security benefit of the new rule will be more precise identification of at-risk shipments. This information will allow for better targeting and will support a more robust admissibility decision before the cargo arrives in the United States.

The ruling requires both importers and carriers to submit the additional cargo information before the cargo is loaded on U.S.-bound vessels. The most important additions to the "10 plus 2" reporting requirements include adding where the materials in the container are from and which conveyer is responsible for packing the container. These data points are invaluable for identifying potential sources of malicious activities that might attempt to place something harmful or dangerous in a container. Using this data, DHS will be able to identify entities that are not known and trusted—the most likely source of illicit activity—and target them for inspection.

The "10 plus 2" initiative will make CSI targeting much more effective. Combined with other programs underway by DHS and other counterterrorism efforts, the likelihood of container shipping representing a serious threat will be greatly diminished.

Manufacturers, shippers, and other commercial entities already produce data on who ordered a cargo, where it was made, and to whom it will be sent. They also provide information on anyone who paid for, touched, or moved the goods. Using this data to better assess the risks would represent a reasonable effort to improve what is already being done. Combined with aggressive policing and counterterrorism efforts, it would deter terrorists who want to target America’s ports.