Traders from both sides of the Atlantic meet
Following the AEO information seminars, SITPRO turned its attention to future benefits from the AEO programme. The US government and the EU institutions have agreed as a common goal the mutual recognition of their C-TPAT and AEO arrangements setting 2009 as the year in which they intend to conclude the necessary agreements. In order to give the trade an opportunity to set out their views and opinions, and make recommendations on the issues arising from this, at the end of June SITPRO hosted a transatlantic workshop attended by businesses drawn from Europe and the US.
The initial messages to the negotiators focused on themes such as business wishes, differences between EU and US schemes and definition issues. The delegates agreed that the best way forward is to propose a graduated response on key objectives by having focused targets. They sought a long-term basis for cooperative development of mutually beneficial and business-friendly simplifications including benefits in the field of security controls. However, they also recognised the value of quick wins for both sides to promote success
Return to SITPRO News: Issue 65, Summer 2008
