World Customs Chief concerned about security
WHILE that plane crashed into the IRS building in Texas, Kunio Mikuriya, WCO Secretary General was addressing the Seventh Worldwide Security Conference and he said,
Nowadays, the WCO encourages Customs around the world to act as a global network to establish and maintain a secure supply chain based on a consistent risk-management approach. A recent survey we conducted shows that Customs administrations are making steady progress towards implementation of the WCO SAFE standards in order to secure and facilitate trade. Built on this international cooperation, the US Department of Homeland Security has raised its voice in support of the WCO risk-management-based approach, as opposed to 100% scanning of US-bound cargo mandated by the US Congress and scheduled for implementation in 2012.
In spite of these endeavours, however, the risk still persists, as evidenced by the recent failed bombing attempt by a transatlantic air passenger on Christmas Day. We need better coordination with other government agencies in sharing intelligence on the movement of people and goods in order to enhance border management.
However, we also need to be prepared when unforeseen incidents occur. The WCO has developed guidance for trade recovery contingencies to address this risk, built on the APEC model. Another risk about which we are increasingly concerned is that of cyber-threats which could be exploited by criminal and terrorist organizations to undermine IT security in the supply chain.