AIAG recently participated in the Mexico Supplier Day in Puebla, Mexico, giving a presentation on AIAG’s Supply Chain Security Program, which addresses not only CTPAT, but also Mexico’s OEA program and others. Hosted by CANACINTRA Puebla y CLAUZ Automotriz Puebla on March 24, 2022, the event brings together OEMs and auto parts suppliers as well as representatives from the metalworking and plastic sectors. The purpose is to generate collaborations and networking opportunities between the participating companies. 

AIAG’s supply chain, CTPAT, and logistics expert Myriam G. Cronk spoke at the event and says AIAG enjoys participating in conferences that connect neighboring international companies. “AIAG has a strong program on Supply Chain Security, Customs Trade Protection against Terrorism (CTPAT) and Authorized Economic Operator (AEO),” says Cronk, who shared information on security programs practiced globally and what participants in these programs (importers) do to address security and forced labor compliance throughout their supply chains. Cronk also discussed T-Mec (known as USMCA in the United States), Materials Management and Logistics Risk Assessment (MMOG), and the International Material Data System (IMDS).

AIAG, in collaboration with OEMs and suppliers, has developed a common system used by automotive importers and their supply chain business partners to comply with CTPAT requirements. It is the first common industry CTPAT questionnaire along with associated corrective actions based on the updated Minimum-Security Criteria (MSC) required by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). These risk assessment questionnaires not only apply to CTPAT, but also to any World Customs Organization (WCO) Safe Framework Security compliant program, such as AEO, Operadores Económicos Autorizados (OEA – formerly known as NEEC – Mexico’s equivalent of CTPAT), and Partners in Protection (PIP).

Cronk says the OEA program was created to strengthen and secure the international trade supply chain between Customs and the private sector. With OEA certification, manufacturers can streamline their cross-country shipping because Authorized Economic Operators have met specific requirements that allow them to be examined at the border significantly less often than standard cross-border traders. If not certified, compliance is assessed via the annual questionnaires sent out throughout the supply chain.

“It was important for AIAG to participate in this event and highlight the added value in the logistics and supply chain sectors of automotive, auto parts, metalworking, and plastics,” says Cronk. “The purpose is to increase awareness of supply chain security issues and educate on a global platform. And it is important to recognize the teamwork among OEMs, tier suppliers, and all the business partners throughout the supply chain.”