<p data-path-to-node="5">Container terminal operators and maritime logistics stakeholders have raised strong concerns over a regulatory proposal mandating 100% non-intrusive scanning of all import-export (EXIM) containers, warning that the directive could trigger severe gate congestion, yard dwell-time spikes, and supply chain delays across major Indian ports.</p><p data-path-to-node="6">While regulatory authorities aim to enhance border security, curb contraband smuggling, and improve revenue safeguards through universal scanning, terminal operators caution that existing port scanning infrastructure and gate throughput capacity are insufficient to absorb universal container volume checks without causing massive logistics bottlenecks.</p><h3 data-path-to-node="9"><b data-path-to-node="9" data-index-in-node="0">Key Industry Concerns &amp; Operational Friction Points</b></h3><ul data-path-to-node="10"><li><p data-path-to-node="10,0,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">Gate Congestion &amp; Truck Queueing:</b> Redirecting every container through Drive-Through Container Scanner (DTCS) or Mobile X-ray scanner units is projected to create severe truck tailbacks at terminal gates, stretching turnaround times for trailers and drayage fleets.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="10,1,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,1,0" data-index-in-node="0">Scan Processing Capacity Deficit:</b> Current operational scanner infrastructure across major ports handles targeted, risk-based inspections (typically 10-20% of box volumes). Scaling to 100% scanning requires substantial additions of high-throughput drive-through scanner gantries.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="10,2,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,2,0" data-index-in-node="0">Yard Dwell Time &amp; Demurrage Risks:</b> Delays in scanning clearances threaten to increase container dwell times within terminal yards, leading to yard density saturation, slower vessel loading/unloading sequences, and higher demurrage costs for exporters and importers.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="10,3,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,3,0" data-index-in-node="0">Call for Phased Implementation:</b> Logistics trade bodies and private terminal operators are advocating for a phased rollout, risk-based automated targeting, and capital investment in high-speed, multi-lane scanner systems before enforcing blanket mandatory scanning rules.</p></li></ul>