WCO SUPPLY CHAIN SECURITY TASK FORCE TAKES MULTIFACETED APPROACH

WCO SUPPLY CHAIN SECURITY TASK FORCE TAKES MULTIFACETED APPROACH    A new World Customs Organization task force of customs and industry representatives said it would take a “multifaceted” approach to developing measures to protect the international supply chain from terrorist acts.
   The task force concluded its first meeting on Sept. 6 in Brussels. The specific areas of its agenda included:
   * Identify key data elements to incorporate in the WCO Data Model to help customs administration identify “high-risk” shipments.
   * Develop guidance to help create a legal basis for collection, transmission, sharing and confidentiality of data.
   * Review the WCO’s 1972 Convention on Containers.
   * Develop guidelines to encourage voluntary cooperation with business.
   * Develop a needs assessment tool to help individual customs administrations to assess their developmental needs.
   * Develop a WCO databank of technical inspection and detection devices.
   WCO Deputy Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya said the work of the task force should be “treated as matters of top priority” in the coming months.
   The task force will meet again in Brussels on Nov. 7-8.