Chances are that, if you are a US based organization, you are up to date on you C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) and if you are a multi-national, your AEO (Authorised Economic Operators) initiatives to achieve a safer supply chain while streamlining trade through self-compliance security initatives (designed to withstand comprehensive audits). And while this may have been enough in the beginning, today the C-TPAT and AEO are just two of many global trade partnership initiatives that you should be aware of. If your organization is to be a major player in the global marketplace, you should be aware of at least the following seven initiatives:

• AEO (EU)
  Authorized Economic Operator: AEO status is granted to reliable operators that are compliant with respect to security and safety standards and who can therefore be considered “secure” traders. Benefts include fast-tracked consignment, streamlined declarations, and mutual recognition with countries with a similar program.
• C-TPAT (US)
  Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism: A voluntary supply chain security program focussed on securing supply chains against terrorism. Benefits include reduced customs inspection, reduced border delays, and eligibility for account-based operations.
• Customs Co-operation and Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters
  An European Union program that provides the necessary tools for customs cooperation between EU member countries and other importers and exporters, including Korea, Canada, Hong Kong, the US, India, China and Japan.
• FAST
  Free and Secure Trade: A voluntary joint initiative between the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection that enhances border and trade chain security while making cross-border commercial shipments simpler and subject to fewer delays.
• ISA
  Importers Self Assessment Program: a voluntary approach to trade compliance that provides the opportunity for importers who have made a commitment of resources to assume responsibility for monitoring their own compliance in exchange for benefits.
• SAFE Framework
  SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade: a WCO Framework that includes requirements for Customs and Authorized Economic Operators that is designed to facilitate the implementation of secure trade programs in member nations
• SEP
  Secure Export Partnership: A US-New Zealand Customs security arrangement (which is representative of emerging US security arrangements with other countries).