2017 Spotlight News stories

Spotlight News Headlines by SCREEN

Spotlight News: Indian Customs Program Permitting Exporters to Self-Seal Shipments Has Potential to Mitigate Some Business Continuity and Supply Chain Security Threats >

A new policy announced by the Indian customs authority simplifying container sealing procedures has the potential to mitigate some business continuity and supply chain security threats in the country.

Spotlight News: Poor Enforcement of Labor Laws in China Exposes Workers to Exploitation, Driving Continued Labor Unrest >

Poor enforcement of China’s labor laws continues to expose workers to high levels of exploitation, driving sustained levels of labor unrest in the country, which threatens the continuity of business operations. In the first half of 2017, the manufacturing sector accounted for 21 percent of all labor unrest in China.

Spotlight News: Major Earthquake Causes Infrastructure Damage in Southern Mexico But Supply Chain Interruptions Likely Localized >

Interruptions to supply chain continuity, mainly delays to road freight shipments as a result of damaged roads, are possible in southern Mexico after a major earthquake struck in the region. Interruptions will likely remain localized to this region of the country and not affect more significant supply chain and commercial hub regions, such as the Mexico City area.

Spotlight News: Most Seaports in Southern Florida to Close Today Due to Hurricane Irma, Threatening Delays to Cargo Movement in Major Shipping Hub >

Most seaports in southern Florida are closed to cargo container traffic or will close by the end of the day due to the approaching Hurricane Irma, threatening to create delays to cargo movement through one of the country’s major freight shipping hubs. Last year, the Port of Miami and Port Everglades handled around 778,000 and 735,000 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of cargo, respectively, underscoring the significant volume of freight at risk of delays due to the storm.

Spotlight News: Police Discover Eleven Farms Using Forced Labor in Ragusa, Underscoring Persistent Forced Labor and Working Conditions Risks in Italian Agricultural Sector >

Police uncovered the forced labor during routine labor checks in the cities of Vittoria, Santa Croce, Ispicia, and Acate. Authorities recently arrested three individuals in connection to these cases and are currently investigating nine more.

27 June 2017

Spotlight News: Increased Vigilance Against Cargo Theft and Terrorism Risks Recommended Ahead of July 4 Holiday >

BSI Analysis: Increased Vigilance Against Cargo Theft and Terrorism Risks Recommended Ahead of July 4 Holiday | Ransomware Cyber Attack Affects Major International Shipping Terminal Company, Disrupting Operations at International Terminals | Authorities in Peru Launch Investigation Into Human Trafficking After Industrial Fire Kills Four Workers Employed at Informal Factory | Hundreds of Textile Factory Workers in Haiti Launch Street Demonstration Calling for Higher Wages

14 June 2017

Spotlight News: Weak Incentives for Businesses and Local Government Compliance With Environmental Standards Contribute to Ongoing Pollution Threats in China >

BSI Analysis: Weak Incentives for Businesses and Local Government Compliance With Environmental Standards Contribute to Ongoing Pollution Threats in China | Authorities in Ajman, United Arab Emirates Seize Over 150,000 Counterfeit Car Parts | Romanian Border Authorities in Bors Discover Three Syrian Stowaways Hiding on Chassis of Tractor-Trailer | Over 250 Trucks Burned During Farmers’ Protests in Central India, as Farmers Organization Announces Nationwide Three-Hour Roadblock on National Highways on June 16

04 May 2017

Spotlight News: Political Instability in Turkey Drives Array of Supply Chain Risks >

Political Instability in Turkey Drives Array of Supply Chain Risks | Recent Spate of Hijackings in North India Reflects Increasing Use of Violence by Cargo Theft Gangs, Severe Deficiencies in Law Enforcement Capacity and Infrastructure | Armenian Anti-Corruption Officials Accuse Customs Officers of Facilitating Apple Smuggling From Azerbaijan

21 February 2017

Spotlight News: Container Backlog at Chittagong Port in Bangladesh Leads to Severe Congestion and Shipping Delays >

Container Backlog at Chittagong Port in Bangladesh Leads to Severe Congestion and Shipping Delays | Investigation Finds Significant Use of Child Labor, Including Migrant Children, in Apparel Sweatshops in Istanbul Producing Clothes With Major Western Trademarks | Egyptian Authorities Cooperate with Libyan Officials to Seize 75 Million Tramadol Pills From Containers at Port Said, Egypt and Misrata, Libya

25 January 2017

Spotlight News: Over 100 Freight Forwarders at Large Furniture Warehouse in Emilia Romagna, Italy Launch Strike Over Poor Working Conditions >

Over 100 Freight Forwarders at Large Furniture Warehouse in Emilia Romagna, Italy Launch Strike Over Poor Working Conditions | Textile Union Leaders Call for Strikes in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany Beginning in February | Eastern European Gang in Loire, France Hijacks Delivery Truck Loaded With Over $500,000 of Tobacco Products