U.S., Jordan Sign GLP/C-TPAT Cargo Security Mutual Recognition Arrangement
On June 28, 2008, the U.S. and Jordan signed a mutual recognition arrangement agreeing to mutual standards for Jordan's Golden List Program (GLP) and the U.S.' Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program.
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The arrangement acknowledges that Jordan Customs Department and U.S. Customs and Border Protection will apply similar high security standards and perform similar site validations when approving companies for membership in their respective programs.
Commissioner Basham has stated that achieving compatibility of U.S. and Jordan cargo security programs is good for business and good for security. It makes it easier for companies to meet the requirements of both programs. It enables both countries to better allocate resources. And, ultimately, it improves global supply chain security.
(CBP officials have previously stated that the final step after signing the arrangement is the technical implementation of mutual recognition.)
GLP Sets Minimum Supply-Chain Security Criteria, Etc.
Jordan Customs launched its GLP based on the principle of risk management on August 31, 2005. The GLP is a customs-business partnership aimed at enhancing customs due diligence and supply-chain security of Jordanian businesses participating in the international trade supply chain, while facilitating Jordan's trade with other countries. The GLP sets minimum criteria that must be met by a Jordanian supply chain company1 desiring to become a GLP member. An audit team of customs officers undertakes extensive audit processes, including customs-transactions and supply-chain security audits, on the applicant company to verify its compliance with the GLP criteria.
GLP member companies enjoy preferential treatment by Jordan Customs; for example, reduced frequency of cargo inspections, pre-arrival clearance of shipments, expedited border clearance times, etc.
1Importers, exporters, Qualified Industrial Zone (QIZ) companies, customs clearing agents, warehouse operators, and transport operators.
(See ITT's Online Archives 03/28/08 news, 08032810, for BP summary of the U.S. and Jordan continuing to work toward mutual recognition.
See ITT's Online Archives or 02/27/08 news, 08022705, for BP summary of CBP officials discussing mutual recognition at the February 2008 COAC meeting, including a list of potential mutual recognition countries and their mutual recognition progress status.
See ITT's Online Archives or 04/17/08 news, 08041710, for BP summary of CBP testifying on C-TPAT mutual recognition, etc.
See ITT's Online Archives or 05/20/08 news, 08052005, for BP summary of CBP officials discussing mutual recognition, etc. at the May 2008 COAC meeting.)
Jordan's GLP Web site available at http://www.customs.gov.jo/English/default.shtm
CBP's C-TPAT Web site available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/cargo_security/ctpat/
CBP news release (dated 06/27/08) available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/06272008_4.xml