Supply Chain Security Overview

Trade Security - International Supply Chain - Seal Control

Supply Chain Security Overview

What is supply chain security?

Welcome to the New World of International Commerce. Has Your Company Kept Up?

As trade has gone global, so has the need for securing international supply chains. This need was heightened after the 9/11 terrorists attacks-illustrating to all that we needed a more secure system to safeguard our trade and the ports through which these goods enter. In response to this need, US Customs and Border Protection formed a voluntary program designed to secure the safety of international cargo entering all US ports. This permanent program named Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) combines the strengths of the government and the international trade community to ensure that goods pass safely into the U.S.

Since then, supply chain security has become an international priority and governments all over the world are now implementing programs similar to C-TPAT. Government-sponsored supply chain security programs now exist in over 30 major countries (including the AEO-Authorized Economic Operator-program for all members of the European Union and the United Kingdom) with 140 additional countries already committed to developing their own programs.

From manufacturing to distribution, this unprecedented level of international cooperation effectively protects the supply chain from beginning to end. These programs promote active and across-the-board participation from everyone involved in the international supply chain-importers, exporters, carriers, Customs brokers, freight forwarders, and warehouse operators. Nearly every aspect of international commerce is affected and includes these common areas of business:

  • Business Partner Screening, Monitoring and Education
  • Container and Equipment Security
  • Seal Control
  • Physical Access Controls
  • Personnel Security
  • Procedural Security
  • Shipping and Receiving Security
  • Physical Security
  • Information Systems
  • Security Training and Threat Awareness
  • Auditing and Self Policing