Bhagbat Sarker CRSP, CSP

It all started after Sep 11, 2001 in the United States .  After the attack on the World Trade Centre in the New York City , the US Government became very conscious about the security of people's life, property and assets.  Special emphasis was also given to food items. 

 

Just one example may clarify the situation.  If anybody adds some harmful substances to the food items to be exported to many countries around the world, the consequences after eating these food items may be devastating.  Hundreds and thousands of people may be at risk of being sick or even dead depending on the extent of contamination. 

 

Similarly, a terrorist may plant a bomb in a workplace and nobody may know anything about it.  After the bomb explodes, hundreds of people may get killed.  Valuable machineries and property may be damaged.  A business that is on the top of the list in the market may be out of business in a couple of seconds.

 

The THREAT is real and the matter is serious.  Therefore, our response to address the possible threats must be adequate and effective.  The response must address not only the real threats but also any possible threats and stop them from making any adverse effects on the people, property, materials and the environment.  The bad guys are always out there.  We must be prepared to prevent any unexpected from happening. 

 

After 9/11, the security concerns came on the forefront of the US and they passed legislations to address the concerns.  They made specific requirements to regulate trades in different industry sectors.  Canada soon followed their footsteps.

 

There are many instruments to minimize security threats.  The following are some of many that are available:

• Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) - a joint US government-business initiative to build cooperative relationships that strengthen overall supply chain and border security. This instrument is administered by the US Customs and Border Protection Agency.

• Container Security Initiative - a multinational program that protects the primary system of global trade - containerized shipping - from being exploited or disrupted by terrorists.  It is administered by the Canadian Border Services Agency in Canada.