Guest feature: Supply chain security

In order to better understand these benefits and their effects on companies operating in the Middle East, it is important to look at how these programmes emerged and the global trends surrounding supply chain security.

The first initiative in the world to facilitate trade and secure the supply chain was launched in the United States in 2001 through the implementation of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT), which is regarded as the largest US public-private sector partnership programme. Under this voluntary programme, the Customs and Border Protection Department (CBP) assesses the company’s security measures and those of its business partners in the supply chain. Companies that comply with the specific requirements and standards of the program are awarded with a range of benefits including:
•    Reduced inspections at the port of arrival.
•    Expedited processing at the border.
•    “Front of Line” inspections.
•    Penalty mitigation.

By the end of 2004, the number of enrolled partners in the programme reached over 7400 companies, including over 86% of the top US importers by containerised cargo volume. In addition, membership at that time represented over 40% of all the imports by dollar value into the US, and over 96% of all the US-bound maritime container carrier traffic.

Within a short period of time, other countries began to implement similar programmes designed to facilitate trade and secure the supply chain. Some of these national programmes include:
•    Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) – Europe, China, Japan
•    Golden List – Jordan
•    Partners in Protection – Canada
•    Stair-Sec – Sweden
•    Secure Trade Partnership – Singapore
•    Customs Golden Client – Malaysia
•    Secure Exports Scheme – New Zealand

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FEATURED COMMENT I found the artcle so much interested, it really explains a concept that is crucial for compaies to sustain a distinguis   1 Comments Read more comments »

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