Lars Karlsson: CapacityNow

Smart frontier under scrutiny in talks to put legal wrapper around political fudge.

I was interviewed by Financial Times the other day on how to handle Customs processes pot-Brexit. The interview was included inbthis article published esröier this week in FT.

My point is that it is possible, within interntional law and standards, in combination with upgraded versions of exisiting operational best practices and texhnology to crete a solution that works on the UK borders post-Brexit without resulting in queues and traditional border stops.

You can read the article here: FT: Brexit border in Ireland raises time and cost concerns

The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) regime is starting to take off around the world in its new shape and paradigm of holistic Trusted Trader programmes. There are now a number of countries with modern AEO / Trusted Trader Concepts of a new modern design, ready to secure and facilitate global trade. These new programmes have a wider scope, better benefit programmes, stromg monitoring and management processes, MRA focus and KPI/Performance Measurement modules already from the start. The Australian Trusted Trader (ATT) programme is one of the best examples around – representing this new trend.

However, even more important is that the element of Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA) between countries with AEO programmes is booming as a result of this new era for AEO. The results of the new MRA are also considerably better compared with the old agreements that we have seen in the past. Especially when one of the countries with a modern AEO/TTP is involved.

These MRAs brings a new dimension into global trade tha wasn’t there before. Since the new paradigm AEO/TTPs have more benefits for all stakeholders the outcome of the potential MRAs are naturlaly much higher (1+2=5).

Australian Border Force (ABF) is a best practice example on how to use the instrument of AEO/TTP MRA in a very effecient and impressive way.

Australia has a clear strategy on how to use the Trusted Trader Programme domesticly – but also internationally to increase secure trade for the country.

When we worked with Australian Border Force and Department of Immigration and Border Protection on the design, development and implementation of the Australian Trusted Trader Programme and the MRA model, I became very impressed by Australian Governments vision for and strategic approach to the programme. An approach that has very fast generated a number of AEO MRAs with important trading partners.

This week ABF signed a work plan to help progress a new Mutual Recognition Arrangement with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. An AEO MRA that will benefit traders from Australia and USA and strengthen supply chain security matters. Once signed, the formal Mutual Recognition Arrangement will be worth $540 million to Australia’s economy.

This is an important landmark for the programme, but only another example on how Customs shapes a new future for safe and secure growing trade between our countries.

Thisis the way forward, this is the future. Other countries should learn from Australia how to do it.

I have never been a fanatic in cars, but in many ways understand those who are.

There are few feelings better than sittimg on your own in a great car driving the highway all alone at sunrise.

I grew up with Forumla 1 when the racing circus was the biggest sport thing around. Drivers like Jackie Stewart, Janes Hunt, Mario Andretti, Emerson Fittipaldi, Ronnie Pettersson, Clay Regazzoni, Nicki Lauda were rock stars.

Then I started to listen to Springsteen and he was the working class hero of my youth. Half of the songs of The Boss are about cars, ‘Drivin all night’ and ‘Racing in the Streets’.

Today I am driving a Volvo X60. It is a great car. But favourite cars I have owned are still a black Audi Quattro A4 and the Mercedes M-class.

What will be the next? I dream about it.