R.G. Edmonson, Associate Editor | Dec 21, 2011 1:27PM EST
Customs and Border Protection may allow exporters to join a voluntary supply chain security program, and Japan, Colombia and Costa Rica are onboard for a test run of the program.
Trucking companies operating in Mexico and Canada may also be able share in tiered benefits through the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism. Participants in the program, established in 2002, usually receive fewer cargo inspections, which lowers import costs.
Sean Doherty, acting C-TPAT director, said the agency will work to find ways to reward trucking companies that participate.
More than 10,000 importers, brokers and carrier participate in C-TPAT, one of the foundations of Customs’ supply chain security strategy. The Advisory Committee on Commercial Operations proposed the changes to the program earlier this month.
Contact R.G. Edmonson at bedmonson@joc.com. Follow him on Twitter @BobinWash.