Abstract 

There has been an avalanche in new supply chain security focused controls. The aim of these controls is to seek cooperative arrangements between regulatory agencies and businesses, and to identify security risks before goods move. This paper shows the complexity of the cross-border environment, including the operational frustrations experienced by interviewed representatives at United Kingdom (UK) ports. It also maps out the institutional mechanisms between public and private sector actors shaping cross-border procedures. It is argued that current mechanisms for shaping governing rules and procedures are insufficient. Further alignment of institutions with operational requirements is required to ensure that supply chain security objectives are met.

Note: This paper builds on research data, tables and diagrams which formed part of Andrew Grainger’s (2007) PhD Thesis ‘Trade Facilitation and Supply Chain Management: a case study at the interface between business and government’. An early version of this paper was first presented at the March 2007 PICARD Conference in Brussels.

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Further Information

• World Customs Journal