Supply Chain Security Study Guide

In developing the response to the terrorist threat, it became clear at both the international and national level that Customs administrations could not deliver the necessary improvements to supply chain security on their own. More frequent and stringent inspections at the border may have eased a country's security concerns, but the impact on trade would have been significant. Customs therefore needs to partner with business to achieve the balance between facilitation and security required to keep trade flowing.

In many countries this requires a different model of partnership from the traditional trader-regulator dynamic. Customs administrations need to work with companies involved in all aspects of the supply chain, and increasingly rely on them to undertake their own self-governance. Only a strengthened relationship with business will build the trust needed to keep trade flowing in an era of heightened security.