United States, Japan Further Enhance Trade Security

"Mutual Recognition Arrangement" Will Benefit Exporters

Dec. 11, 2012

The Embassy of the United States of America welcomes the recent full implementation of a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) between U.S. Customs & Border Protection and the Japan Customs and Tariff Bureau, two agencies which are charged with ensuring the safety of international commerce. By promoting transparency and enhanced security for exporters and importers, the MRA helps to further facilitate the vital economic connections between our two countries.

Originally signed in 2009, this U.S.-Japan MRA provides reciprocal trade facilitation benefits to qualified members of the U.S. Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and the Japan Customs’ Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) who have demonstrated a commitment to compliance with trade laws and maintaining supply chain security throughout their global supply chains. The MRA is a result of the World Customs Organization SAFE Framework of Standards, which recommends collaboration between customs administrations and trade community members.

For more information about the MRA or C-TPAT, visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website at www.cbp.gov.