In a recent report the National Board of Trade presents a study of all security initiatives relating to the supply chain in force since 11th September 2001. The report is a result of a research project initiated by SWEPRO that the National Board of Trade has carried out with the support of various industry organisations and authorities. The report contains a survey of the most important initiatives, some of the economic studies that have been made on the subject, and a detailed comparison between security initiatives in the USA and EU.

The project now focuses on communicating the findings in the report, continued follow-up of new initiatives and of recent studies of the effects of security initiatives. If you have information relevant to the project do not hesitate to contact us.

The US initiative on 100 per cent scanning and the Proposed Rulemaking on Importer Security Filing (also known as 10 + 2) are examples of current issues that need to be followed-up. These initiatives will have an impact on the supply chain and are of great concern to all involved parties. The changes are now negotiated in the framework of a revision of the WCO SAFE Framework.

The study, which can be downloaded below, shows that the security initiatives continue to expand and it is not easy to provide a clear-cut picture of the ways in which they affect trade, globally or in different regions. As more countries introduce partnership programmes, such as the Authorised Economic Operator-programmes, between companies and customs authorities, harmonisation and mutual recognition of the different security initiatives are becoming increasingly important. Some security initiatives have features of trade facilitation. The ambitions to enhance security and to introduce trade facilitation are thus not necessarily in conflict with each other, but can rather be mutually supportive.

Read the report Supply Chain Security Initiatives

Read the update report in English