Mutual Recognition of Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) allows two customs administrations to recognize one another’s standards and provide reciprocal benefits to members of both programs. It also allows for the exchange of membership information and data between foreign customs administrations.   The U.S. AEO program, the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT), has several Mutual Recognition … Read more

CT Strategies is proud to be assisting the Emirate of Abu Dhabi on building a modern Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. The CT Strategies team has drawn upon its extensive experience in AEO and in the region to align the new Program with the economic development objectives of Abu Dhabi while applying best practices from … Read more

The Biden administration will still view China as a competitor in many areas but also as a country to collaborate with as we address some of the serious issues facing the world today, for example public health, the Covid-19 crisis, and climate change and environmental issues. There is also a realization that China and the U.S. depend on each other economically.   The incoming administration recognizes that the U.S. must deal with China on trade issues that have spanned both … Read more

Risk assessments can help your company address security concerns within the supply chain by analyzing external threats against company procedures and identifying vulnerabilities.   Your company’s risk assessment should:  Include personnel screening and security training to ensure company-wide compliance  Consider the risk your partners bring into the supply chain  Develop protocol to mitigate agricultural risks, such … Read more

For the first time since it launched 17 years ago, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) program has updated its eligibility requirements. Members and new applicants are now required to update company procedures to meet the New Minimum-Security Criteria and remain in compliance.   The new requirements emphasize the importance of corporate-level support and company-wide awareness of security protocols. … Read more

Strong brand equity is essential to companies seeking to stand out to potential supply chain partners in a highly competitive global market. Customer perception, brand loyalty, and brand awareness are critical elements to a company’s success in maintaining existing partnerships and establishing new ones. Your business partners need confidence that your company is a strong link in their supply chain. A perceived risk of potential security breaches can be detrimental … Read more

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations that manages the administration of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention). ICAO works with the 193 member states that are currently party to the Chicago Convention to reach consensus on international civil aviation Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPS). SARPS … Read more

On Friday, September 18 the Atlantic Council hosted, “Trade flows in the age of automation.” The webinar featured several esteemed trade professionals including, Antony Phillipson, Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for North America, Rain Newton-Smith Chief Economist at Confederation of British Industry as well as Bart Oosterveld and Barbara Matthews, both of whom are fellows at … Read more

U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) is a voluntary trade program designed to advance global trade through cooperation between govt. and industry stakeholders. As a compliance-based security excellence program, CTPAT members maintain their standing by establishing security measures that secure and enhance the integrity of their operations. With over 11,000 members, CTPAT aims to expedite certain border processes while ensuring border security. In 2020, the program has updated its … Read more