Aerospace industry seeks to standardize C-TPAT process
The Aerospace Industries Association has set up a program to coordinate supply chain security for aerospace companies and make it easier to comply with the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, according to the trade association's most recent newsletter.
A working group spent the past 18 months developing a plan for an AIA-hosted foreign supplier database that will allow U.S. importers to review a list of suppliers that have completed a standardized facility security self-assessment of aerospace industry best practices. The plan was approved by the AIA board of governors in mid-November, a spokesman confirmed.
C-TPAT is a voluntary Homeland Security program that provides faster clearance at the border for importers that use their contracting power to get suppliers to meet or exceed approved security plans for international shipments.
AIA is also proposing an optional third-party validation of the questionnaire paid for by the foreign supplier.
The secure online database is to be launched in January, the group said.
The effort is an attempt to reduce the burden on foreign suppliers to respond to a high number of similar security questionnaires and requirements from individual companies within the same industry that have similar needs. The increased questionnaire consistency also makes it easier for customers to evaluate their suppliers.
The toy industry and some others have also previously coordinated security reviews by using a common set of auditors and standards by which to evaluate foreign suppliers. ' Eric Kulisch
Aerospace industry seeks to standardize C-TPAT process
