Authorities turn to shipping to fight smuggling

Jasper Helder and Lars-Erik Hjelm, of Akin Gump, report on the growing threat of smuggling to the shipping industry

Following the September 2001 attacks on the US and the spread of the global terrorism threat, industry and government have partnered in supply chain security. Secure operators under the US Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) and the European Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programmes benefit from reduced checks and green lanes. Participation has become a basic requirement in the global shipping market.