ISO and quality management

C-TPAT and Supply-Chain Security: The 2013 Conference Perspective

2015-04-11 09:52:28 | Lượt xem: 5064 | ISO and quality management

This historical report covers the January 2013 C-TPAT conference and its discussion of supply-chain security and customs–business cooperation. ITVC helps businesses understand and implement security requirements appropriate to their supply chains.

Historical article: conference details, membership figures, trade volumes and mutual-recognition arrangements refer to January 2013.

Quality management and process improvement.

The 2013 supply-chain security conference

Hosted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) under the theme of unified global security and the challenges ahead, the conference brought together manufacturers, importers, transport operators, retailers, customs brokers and major freight forwarders from across international trade supply chains.

Origins and development of C-TPAT

C-TPAT, a programme for trusted trading partners, began in 2001 following the 11 September attacks. U.S. border security was tightened, and customs authorities met private-sector representatives to discuss how to protect trade while facilitating international commerce.

Seven major companies initially joined the programme with U.S. Customs. By the time of the January 2013 conference, the report stated that membership exceeded 10,500 and represented approximately 55% of U.S. imports. Organisers described an ambitious objective of extending the programme’s security principles across all trade entering the United States.

After eleven years, C-TPAT remained an important customs–business partnership. The report contrasted its longevity with shorter initiatives and highlighted the 1,200 delegates attending the January 2013 event, following the programme’s launch in November 2001. It also raised questions about the next stage: how to build on the results, develop more effective implementation methods and extend the programme’s principles internationally.

Border-management priorities

At the conference, CBP Assistant Commissioner McAleenan described a direction focused on using the programme’s achievements to improve border management and support economic recovery. He cited 2012 trade volumes of more than 12 million maritime containers, three million rail freight cars, nearly eleven million cross-border containers and around 100 million air shipments.

CBP expected cargo volumes to continue increasing in 2013. Its role at border crossings and seaports was to prevent dangerous goods entering the United States while avoiding unnecessary delays to legitimate trade.

CBP also highlighted risks and constraints. Government resources were becoming more limited, while administrative capability needed to improve to address increasingly sophisticated terrorism and smuggling methods.

Cooperation and mutual recognition

Conference participants were briefed on developments encouraging the private sector to adapt to CBP’s evolving approach. A central element was greater alignment and mutual recognition between inspection, supervision and security initiatives related to C-TPAT.

Examples included cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration, Transportation Security Administration and U.S. Border Patrol. At the time of the conference, the report listed seven mutual-recognition arrangements with Canada, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, New Zealand, the European Union and Taiwan. Agreements with Mexico and Israel were being considered. Such cooperation aimed to align customs practices, improve transparency and reduce administrative and trade costs.

The conference also welcomed organisations that were not C-TPAT members. The report highlighted industry-focused Centres of Excellence and Expertise as a means of supporting importer management and the movement of legitimate goods. Beyond programme updates, the event helped public agencies and private businesses understand each other’s responsibilities.

Applying requirements at Vietnamese businesses

Vietnamese manufacturers, transport providers and trading businesses may apply supply-chain security requirements requested by CTPAT partners. Implementing those requirements does not automatically make a company a direct CTPAT member: eligibility depends on the business entity and CBP’s programme rules.

To help businesses establish and implement suitable supply-chain security controls, ITVC Global provides C-TPAT consultancy services covering assessment, documentation, implementation support and preparation for customer requirements. Consultancy does not guarantee CBP membership or approval.