The International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations’ (FIATA), Customs Affairs Institute (CAI) annual FIATA Headquarters session this year saw one of the largest audiences ever gathered, as participants sought to distil the essence of important changes that have taken place since the adoption of the global SAFE Framework of Standards. Two review cycles have already taken place and none without important consequences for freight forwarders and Customs representatives.

Giving an update on these reviews of the SAFE Framework Standards, Marc Van de Perre, senior policy advisor of the
European Organisation for Forwarding and Logistics (CLECAT) – which is FIATA’s dedicated representative in various World
Customs Organisation (WCO) subgroups dealing with the review of the SAFE – said it was now clear the EU was not going to
insist on their proposal for amendment to SAFE which would have permitted cargo and goods declarations to be merged for security purposes. The nearly 100 delegates from across the globe expressed their relief at this decision.

The CAI chairman, Stephen Morris, stressed that having a clear distinction between transport and trade related information seems to be the logical choice. The dual filing process is meant to ensure
timely, accurate data from the parties that are best placed to provide such information.

The security and confidentiality of clients’ data was a key aspect of the international freight forwarder/client relationship he said. In a separate presentation CAI deputy chairman Jean-François Auzéau noted that in recent years, significant efforts had been made through various WCO initiatives by many Customs administrations in an attempt to rationalise Customs activities.

Customs Authorities were enlarged into the Security and Safety domains, de facto making the Customs the reference authority
in international trade, with competency over counterfeit, quality and compliance of import and export goods, he said.

“The enlarged scope of Customs is challenging for FIATA members, especially where capacity building does not go
hand-in-hand with the requirements of the political agenda. However we see that Customs require the accurate work provided by our members more and more. CAI and its members will keep pace with the broad changes required by the Customs Authorities around the world and continue providing excellent service for