“The supply chain is only as strong as its weakest link”
As we move into 2020 there have been significant changes to the supply chain security programs that will impact the global supply chain standards and compliance.
In 2019 U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)) updated and established new Minimum Security Criteria (MSC) requirements for participating members of the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) program.
CBP partnered with COAC’s (Commercial Operations Advisory Committee) Global Supply Chain Subcommittee, CTPAT Members, and other key Trade partners in updating the MSC’s.
The MSC criteria has continued to evolve wherein “Best Practices” are now considered minimum standards. In 2019 CBP announced significant changes to the MSC guidelines adding three new categories, Security Vision and Responsibility, Cybersecurity and Agricultural Security to include strengthening of current requirements.
The updates will become part of new member validation and revalidation of current members for 2020. (Minimum Security Criteria Booklet published in April 2019 found on the CBP website).
Supply Chain Security program growth continues to establish foreign programs on a global basis to include Authorized Economic Operators (AEO), Partners in Protection (PIP), and Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) with a common goal of protecting the supply chain.
Our foreign Custom administrations partners implementation of these programs provides the ability to sign Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRA) with the United States, thus enhancing expedited screening and compliance standards.
In order to ensure your company maintains compliance and sustains competitive growth, The Kent Group Associates can support your business with a comprehensive plan development that will include:
- Five-Step Risk Assessment
- Supply Chain Security Policy and Procedure Manual development
- Submission of the Security Profiles
- Physical Security design and implementation
- Validation audit support
- Compliance Auditing (Supplier and/or vendor validation)
- Training
