New DHS-WCO Partnership to Secure Supply Chain Infrastructure
The Department of Homeland Security has announced a new partnership with the World Customs Organization to enlist other nations, international bodies and the private sector in increasing the security of the global supply chain and outlined a series of new initiatives to make the system stronger, smarter and more resilient.
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DHS Secretary Napolitano discussed three main elements to the international effort to strengthen global supply chain security:
Securing Critical Supply Chain Infrastructure for Air, Land, Sea
Napolitano stated that critical elements of the supply chain system, across all modes of transport (air, land, and sea), such as transportation hubs and related critical infrastructure, needs to be protected from attacks and disruptions.
DHS is working with the private sector and international partners to acquire advance information before goods are loaded onto planes, container ships, or trucks to identify and screen items based on risk and intelligence.
Preventing Terrorist Attacks By Controlling Precursor Chemicals
Napolitano stated that DHS and WCO’s first focus is to prevent terrorists from using the supply chain to illegally transport or gain access to materials such as the precursor chemicals that are used in improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Napolitano emphasized DHS' domestic efforts to address this issue, including creating a center to coordinate all U.S. government efforts on export enforcement, and working with institutions across the U.S. where these chemicals are common to prevent their diversion for use in IEDs.
In 2011, DHS will work with its international partners to strengthen cargo screening standards across the globe, etc. WCO Secretary General Mikuriya noted that recent air cargo incidents show the necessity for international cooperation in enhancing trade security using a risk management approach as embodied in the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards1.
DHS to Work with WCO, IMO, and ICAO on Trade Resumption Planning
Finally, DHS and WCO’s efforts should focus on building the resilience of the global supply chain to ensure that it can rebound quickly and with as little permanent disruption as possible. In 2011, DHS will strengthen global planning on trade resumption by linking planning across all modes of transportation, working together with WCO, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
1In 2005 the WCO adopted the SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade, to strengthen end-to-end supply chain security through enhanced Customs-to-Customs networking and formal partnerships with trade.
(See ITT’s Online Archives or 11/01/10 and 11/09/10, news, 10110101 and 10110915, for BP summary on DHS heightening air cargo security measures after explosives were found on air cargo flights headed to the U.S.)
DHS press release announcing WCO partnership available here.