On January 24, 1012, President Obama adopted the “National Strategy for Global Supply Chain Security” as put forth by the Department of Homeland Security. The strategy incorporates two goals: (1) to promote the efficient and secure movement of goods and (2) to foster a resilient supply chain both domestically and internationally. The principal strategy is to integrate and spur efforts across the Federal, State, local, tribal and territorial governments, the private sector, and the international community to manage supply chain risk by utilizing layered defenses and adapting security posture according to the changing security and operational environment. In order to protect the welfare and interests of the American people and secure the nation’s economic prosperity, the strategy seeks to promote the timely and efficient flow of legitimate commerce while protecting and securing the supply chain from exploitation, and reducing its vulnerability to disruption. In doing this, the strategy is designed to both enhance the integrity of goods as they move through the supply chain, and also to mitigate threats and hazards that impede the supply chain. The strategy’s purview will apply to all cargo goods entering the country by ship, airplane or truck as well as all cyber and energy networks. A summary of the new strategy can be found at http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/national_strategy_for_global_supply_chain_security.pdf.
White House officials began formulating the policy in the wake of the 2010 attempt by al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula to send explosive devices hidden in printer toner cartridges aboard U.S.-bound cargo planes. However, the strategy also includes contingencies for the supply chain in case of natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005, or the Japanese Tsunami of 2011. Even localized disruptions can escalate rapidly and impact U.S. interests and the broader global community.
During the next six months, the Departments of State and Homeland Security will lead an engagement period with the international community and industry stakeholders. The purpose of this engagement is to solicit feedback and specific recommendations on how to implement the strategy in a cost effective and collaborative manner.
For further information or questions about how this new policy might impact your operation, please contact Glenn Wicks or Ronce Almond at (202) 457-7790.