DHS Global Supply Chain Security Strategy Delayed
During the introductory remarks at the August 18, 2011 COAC meeting, a DHS official discussed the status of DHS’ Global Supply Chain Security Strategy. According to DHS, the plan is still being reviewed and revised, and scrubbed by the National Security Staff.
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SAFE Port Act Requires DHS to Develop and Implement Strategy
The SAFE Port Act required that the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with appropriate Federal, State, local, and tribal government agencies, the private sector, and the international community develop and implement a strategic plan to enhance the security of the international supply chain. An initial version of the strategy was required to be submitted to Congress by July 10, 2007, with a final version to be completed by October, 2009.
Draft Report Still Undergoing Review by Administration
After the National Security Staff review is complete, the strategy will undergo a final interagency review and approval before it is publicly issued. After the strategy is released, DHS is expected to pursue an active domestic outreach effort. (At the April 2011 COAC meeting, a DHS official stated that the strategy was expected to be completed in spring 2011.)
DHS Working Internationally with WCO, IMO, ICAO, Etc. on Supply Chain Security
On the international front, DHS has been actively engaged with the World Customs Organization (WCO), International Maritime Organization (IMO), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the Universal Postal Union to further the vision and goals of the global supply chain security strategy. The areas being emphasized are:
- Expanding advance information requirements across all modes, especially aviation (similar to those in place for the maritime domain)
- Streamlining and harmonizing trusted trader programs
- Stemming flow of illicit shipments of dangerous materials through WCO’s Global Shield and similar efforts
- Securing and facilitating air cargo and global mail
- Identifying and responding to evolving threats by creating more agile international communications and harmonization mechanisms
- Building a resilient system through creating global standard for business resumption
- Exploring and deploying new technologies (such as scanning equipment)
Also Working with Regional Groups to Advance Supply Chain Security
The U.S. has also been working with regional organizations, such as the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, to develop initial decisions on creating a resilient post-incident system. This issue will be discussed at an upcoming APEC conference in September and those results will be forwarded to WCO for consideration in November when it needs to revise its trade recovery guidelines.
(See ITT’s Online Archives or 07/24/07 news, 07072405, for BP summary of DHS' 2007 the initial report.
See ITT's Online Archives or 01/31/11 news, 11013141. for BP summary of Project Global Shield.
See ITT’s Online Archives or 07/29/10 news, 10072930, for BP summary of COAC’s recommendations on DHS global supply chain security strategy.
See ITT’s Online Archives or 05/09/11 news. 11050930, for BP summary of discussion of strategy at April 2011 COAC meeting.)