The Partnership Against Terrorism or C-TPAT, attracted 1,200 importers, carriers, and manufacturers from around the world to San Diego to discuss best practices. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Alan Bersin said in 10 years, the U.S.-led program has become a model for cooperation, and he hopes it will soon be fully adapted by Mexico.
"At the beginning, there were only seven companies," said Bersin. "Ten years later, more than 10,000 companies are members of C-TPAT, and we have confidence that Mexico will have the same capacity to increase its program and reach a period of mutual recognition."
The program was established soon after September 11, 2011, and is invested in increasing security in trade with Mexico, at border crossings and ports, and in every level of the supply chain.
At the meeting, Bersin said Mexico's customs agency is working on becoming an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO).
"Mexico has worked with the United States for just under a year now to create its own AEO program. Customs and Border Protection Mexico's Customs agency, have a bilateral strategic plan to work together to build programs like this."
A majority of program participants are importers, from the U.S. and Europe.
