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Oakland, California,
30 July 2002 –
APL has signed an agreement with the United States Customs Service to join the security initiative C-TPAT.
The initiative, officially called the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, aims to co-ordinate the efforts of US Customs and carriers to provide a more secure border environment for goods, crew and passengers entering the US.
APL will be completing its application process for C-TPAT over the next two months and, at the same time, we will be assessing the possible impacts on our business and our customers.
The World Shipping Council expects the overwhelming majority of shipping lines to apply to join C-TPAT. APL was one of the first carriers to voluntarily participate in this important programme. To date more than 230 importers have agreed to participate and, after the second phase of applications from transport providers, the next round will be open to brokers, warehouse operators and manufacturers.
C-TPAT is similar to programmes developed by US Customs in the 1990s to combat drug smuggling. It seeks to provide a framework for improving security practices throughout the supply chain, through a wide range of initiatives including searches of vessels, safeguarding IT systems against unauthorised use and introducing security seals for all loaded containers.
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Media inquiries:
In Asia, Paul Wilke, tel. +65 6371-5311 or email Paul Wilke at paul_wilke@apl.com
In Americas, John Pachtner, tel. +1-510-272-7208; or email john_pachtner@apl.com
In Europe, Michael Haig, tel. +44 1737 248300 or email michael@isiscomms.com
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