H.R. 9565: Enhanced Counter-Narcotics Detection and Technology Act

This bill would require U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to use more large-scale scanning technology at certain land border crossings that are considered higher risk for drug smuggling.

What the bill does

• Directs the Department of Homeland Security, through CBP, to create an annual process for identifying “high-risk” land ports of entry based on drug seizure volume.
• A port would be labeled “high-risk” if its drug seizure volume is at or above the 70th percentile among land ports of entry on either the northern or southern border.
• Within one year after a port is designated high-risk, CBP would generally have to install and use large-scale, non-intrusive inspection technology there for cargo screening, unless CBP decides the technology is not effective based on standards it sets.
• After the technology is in place, CBP would need to use it to screen at least:
  • 40% of passenger vehicles entering through that port, where feasible
  • 70% of commercial vehicles entering through that port, where feasible
• CBP would have to train relevant personnel on the new technology.
• CBP would also have to keep looking for newer technologies that could improve cargo screening at high-risk ports.
• CBP would need to submit annual reports to Congress on how effective the technology is and what new technologies it has identified.

What counts as the technology

The bill defines “large-scale, non-intrusive inspection technology” as systems such as x-ray, gamma-ray, or other passive imaging systems that can inspect cargo for contraband, hazards, and suspicious anomalies.

Practical effect

In plain terms, the bill would push CBP to use more advanced scanning equipment at border crossings with higher levels of drug seizures, with the goal of checking more vehicles and cargo without physically opening as many shipments.

Relevant Companies

• OSIS — OSI Systems makes security and inspection systems, including cargo and vehicle screening equipment that could be used at border crossings.
• NSSC — Napco Security Technologies is in the broader security technology space, though it is less directly tied to border inspection than larger screening-equipment vendors.
• BAH — Booz Allen Hamilton provides technology and consulting services to government agencies and could be involved in related implementation or systems support work.
• LDOS — Leidos works on government security and screening technologies and could be affected if CBP expands procurement of inspection systems.
• KTOS — Kratos has defense and security-related technology businesses that may have some exposure to government detection and scanning programs.