Singapore Customs unveils a new supply chain security programme for the trading community – Secure Trade Partnership Programme (STP) to strengthen and safeguard the security of supply chain operations. The Minister of State for Finance and Transport, Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, launched the STP at a ceremony on 25 May 2007. Eight companies including Poh Tiong Choon Logistics Ltd have been certified under the STP after successfully completing the pilot-run of the programme.
About STP
The STP is a voluntary certification programme administered by Singapore Customs that encourages companies to adopt robust security practices in their trading operations, thereby contributing to the improvement in the security of the global supply chain. Through the programme, Singapore Customs seeks to protect the integrity of the supply chain and prevent disruptions to the smooth flow of goods. The STP spells out a set of security guidelines and goals to guide the development, implementation, monitoring and review of the security measures by different players in the supply chain. These include suppliers, manufacturers, warehouse operators, transport carriers and terminal operators. Full details of the STP Guidelines are enclosed at Annex A.
Commenting at the launch of the STP, Mrs Lim Hwee Hua said, “In today’s global trading environment, it is not only important for Singapore to be efficient and well-connected, but also necessary to be secure and trusted. The Secure Trade Partnership Programme will help maintain Singapore’s position as a trusted trade hub.”
The Director-General of Customs, Mr Teo Eng Cheong, said “Every player in the trading community has a stake in a secure and resilient total supply chain. We would therefore like to see more companies certified as our STP Trusted Partners.”
Companies that apply for certification will have their internal policies, processes and procedures assessed against the STP Guidelines by Singapore Customs. The STP certification will serve as a testimony that companies have adequate internal security policies, processes and procedures to keep their supply chains secure. More information on the STP can be obtained in the enclosed information handbook (Annex B) or from the Singapore Customs website at www.customs.gov.sg.
Benefits of STP
Companies that have adopted robust security measures will benefit from increased visibility of goods in the supply chain, reduction in pilferages and greater efficiency in their supply chain management.
In addition, companies certified under the STP will be recognised as trusted partners of Singapore Customs and enjoy the following benefits:
- Cargo less likely to be inspected,
- Recognition as a low risk company i.e. enhance branding, and
- Reduced inspection/expedited clearance overseas should certified status be also recognised by overseas countries.
Companies Certified under STP
The pilot batch of eight companies which have been certified under the STP are as follows:
- APL Co. Pte Ltd
- Hewlett-Packard Asia Pacific Pte Ltd
- IBM Singapore Pte Ltd
- Infineon Technologies Asia Pacific Pte Ltd
- Poh Tiong Choon Logistics Limited
- PSA Corporation Limited
- United Parcel Service Singapore Pte Ltd
- YCH DistriPark (Pte) Ltd
Application
The STP is open for application to all companies in Singapore that are involved in supply chain activities. Application forms can be downloaded from Singapore Customs website at www.customs.gov.sg, or write in to Singapore Customs, 55 Newton Road #08-01, Revenue House, Singapore 307987, e-mail: customs_scs@customs.gov.sg or Fax: 62583705.
Background of the STP
The establishment of Singapore’s very own national supply chain programme was first announced by Deputy Prime Minister Professor S Jayakumar in a keynote address made at the First APEC Symposium on Total Supply Chain Security on 6 July 2006. Singapore Customs has been designated as the national authority for the STP. Its responsibilities include validating and certifying companies under the STP; serving as the focal point for all local and international enquiries; and conducting industry outreach and public awareness programmes on supply chain security.
