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US security pact deal leaves out forwarders, says BIFA

[ February 14, 2013   //   ]

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) says it is disappointed with the implementation of the mutual recognition agreement (MRA) for the US and European Union trade security programmes. In particular, it is angry that AEO-accredited freight forwarders and customs brokers will not gain reduced risk scores under the MRA.
BIFA Director General, Peter Quantrill said that, according to a question and answer paper on the EU-US Mutual Trade Recognition Decision, reduced risk scores benefit only AEO EU exporters and manufacturers, not customs brokers and freight forwarders.

He added: “To acquire the accreditation requires considerable effort in time, money and human resources. It is extremely disappointing that the efforts of our members to improve supply chain security and customs compliance are not recognised by EU and US regulators, who have overlooked the sector’s efforts to support their trade security ambitions.”
This final phase of the mutual recognition of the CBP’s Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) programme and the EU’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme provides reciprocal benefits to C-TPAT members when exporting to EU member states.
These benefits, which include lower risk score and less exams when shipping cargo were provided to members exporting into the U.S. in Phase I of the agreement which was implemented in July 2012.

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