From 29 to 31 August, 2017, the World Customs Organization (WCO) participated in the CTPAT Conference organised by United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Detroit, Michigan. The Conference saw the launch of the new CTPAT logo and programme marketing video as well as updates on many new initiatives such as Trusted Trader and Minimum Security Criteria. More than 1000 participants took part in the 3 day event which was divided into 2 days of workshops and a day for plenary. In addition, an International Day was organised specifically for all the foreign Customs participants which provided an opportunity for discussion and exchange of experiences, and sharing of information regarding their AEO programmes and MRAs. The International Day provided an excellent opportunity for networking engagements and valuable real life learning experiences related to AEO. The Customs participants made several proposals to be presented to the next SAFE Working Group Meeting.
The WCO was represented by Asha Menon, Senior Technical Officer from the Facilitation sub-directorate at the different sessions who provided information on WCO materials for AEO programmes, updates of the latest numbers of AEO programme (73) that are operational and the number of MRAs that have been signed (46). This increase of total programmes and MRAs, which is an increase of 62% and 176% respectively over the last 5 years, demonstrated to CTPAT members the value and importance of the AEO programme to Customs Administrations and the global trade community.
More information on AEO programmes