BIR inquiries about material thefts from containers

For some months now BIR has been receiving information on a sharp increase in material thefts from containers shipped overseas.

While not geographically unique, the situation appears to be particularly noteworthy in China and more specifically in the southern part of the country.

To tackle this issue, the BIR Secretariat - on behalf of its Non-Ferrous Division - has decided to email all BIR member companies asking them to complete a short questionnaire in order to confidentially collect numerous information detailing the quantity and value of stolen materials, the ports, the shipping lines, the nature of thefts, etc.

In order to assist its membership, further actions will be taken at the ICC level with the Commercial Crime Services and International Maritime Bureau and by other official authorities should the BIR Secretariat receive sufficient evidence from its member companies.

BIR letter to member companies and related questionnaire can be downloaded here.