Hong Kong will launch a pilot scheme on May 12 to enhance the security of maritime trade and the smooth flow of containers from Hong Kong to the United States.

Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology Henry Tang said the Container Security Initiative pilot scheme has been developed with US Customs.

A 'declaration of principles' was signed with the US in September on Hong Kong's participation in the scheme.

Under the pilot project, US Customs officers will be stationed in Hong Kong to undertake anti-terrorist risk analysis of containers destined for the US with their own sources of cargo information.

However, the American officers will not have any inspection or enforcement powers in Hong Kong. All inspections of identified containers will be carried out by Hong Kong's Customs & Excise Department.

Mr Tang said the Government has paid particular regard to the readiness of the local industry when considering the timing of introducing the scheme.

On the US' new '24-hour rule', under which carriers and non-vessel operating common carriers are required to submit detailed cargo data 24 hours before loading the related cargo aboard a US-bound vessel at a foreign port, Mr Tang said that the local industry has generally complied with the new rule since its enforcement on February 2.

This will facilitate clearance of their cargo at the US ports of entry, he added.

The US is Hong Kong's second largest trading partner, and Hong Kong accounts for the largest share of sea containers entering the US, with 6,000 TEUs shipped from Hong Kong daily.