GLOBAL TOOLS TO SECURE YOUR SUPPLY-CHAIN
Supply-Chain Security
Supply-Chain Security Review
The US C-TPAT program, Sweden’s Stairsec, and the EU’s AEO are just three examples of an increasing number of supply-chain security programs sponsored by government for voluntary participation of companies engaged in the international chain. These programs are based on the principle that companies which demonstrate compliance with recognized security (and in some cases customs compliance) standards, and which have undergone a validation process, are deserving of a recognized secure trader status which brings with it eligibility for a number of trade facilitation programs.
The Trusted Trade Alliance team includes professionals well-versed in the requirements of these programs, experienced in implementing them in some of the largest companies globally. Our services begin with assisting importers in self-assessment, evaluating and profiling the companies and their supply chains in order to achieve the pre-requisites of C-TPAT / AEO certification prior to submission of the application to the government. We have also assisted numerous clients with reviewing their programs prior to a C-TPAT validation by CBP to ensure compliance with the latest updated program requirements.
A C-TPAT pre-validation review includes a dry run of the philosophy CBP emphasizes during their validation visits in order to prepare the client and ensure a positive outcome. With our global network, we have the ability to evaluate and validate compliance with security programs anywhere in the world.
TTA Validator®
The supply-chain security programs implemented under the WCO SAFE Framework vary in focus, requirements, and application process. But they all have in common a focus on an application by a company, the preparation and review of supporting documentation by that company, and approval by a government authority (or third-party validator) conferring an award of recognized AEO (or C-TPAT, or STP) status. A key requirement of the application process is a comprehensive self-assessment by the company against the particular security program’s requirements, and correction and mitigation of any gaps which might be ascertained. For some companies, this can be a major task in itself. But a company’s obligation is not finished when its application is approved: just like any trade compliance program the authorities expect that a company will keep its compliance status up-to-date, with the ability to document any changes (and efforts to address the effects of those changes) in the event of an audit or validation of the company’s continuing eligibility.
TTA Validator® is an easy-to-use, web-based software solution which allows companies to efficiently assess their company’s conformity with a particular supply-chain program’s requirements PRIOR to submitting its application to the authorities by providing a comprehensive self-assessment tailored to the particular security program (e.g. AEO, C-TPAT, STP) and type of company (e.g. importer, freight forwarder, warehouse operator) for which the program status is desired. By allowing a candidate company to self-assess its internal processes, and providing input into any gaps found, TTA Validator® provides an essential tool in the pre-application preparation process. It also allows you to prepare your application on-line, and store your company profile and any related back-up documentation for the application in one place (and to print out hard-copy documentation for those countries which require it as part of the application).
TTA Validator® also provides you with the ability to store and document changes to your company and security profile as it changes over time after program approval. It keeps a comprehensive record of the details and date of each change, essential in the event of an audit or re-validation by the authorities. For those programs which require the company to go out and document the status of their supply chain partners, TTA Validator® also provides you with the ability to send web-based solicitation requests, to efficiently score the results, and to document compliance over time.
TTA Validator® is currently available for C-TPAT, and versions for AEO (in Germany and the UK), the STP program of Singapore, and other national programs under the WCO Framework will be available in the very near future.
