This agreement represents SCAN’s second formal partnership with a Customs administration, following the Joint Statement signed with U.S. Customs and Border Protection in 2024. It also reflects SCAN’s continued commitment to building meaningful public-private partnerships that support secure and efficient global trade.

A Milestone for Supply Chain Security in Guatemala

The MOU marks a significant step forward for supply chain security and trade facilitation in Guatemala. By bringing together Customs authorities and the private sector, the agreement reinforces a shared commitment to strengthening compliance, enhancing supply chain security, and advancing trusted trade initiatives.

According to SAT, the cooperation will promote secure international trade through Guatemala’s AEO Program while strengthening compliance and security throughout the supply chain. The partnership will support collaboration in several key areas, including integrated tax and customs risk management, the exchange of best practices, and the continued development of trusted trader programs.

This collaboration demonstrates the growing recognition that strong partnerships between government agencies and industry organizations are essential to building safer, more resilient, and more efficient supply chains.

Recognition of SCAN Members as Trusted and Secure Companies

One of the most significant outcomes of the agreement is SAT’s recognition of SCAN members as trusted and secure companies under the risk criteria established within Guatemala’s Integrated Tax and Customs Risk Management Model.

This recognition validates the value of robust compliance and supply chain security programs and further strengthens SCAN’s reputation as a trusted organization within the international trade community.

The agreement also enhances SCAN’s visibility and credibility within Guatemala’s government and business sectors, positioning members to benefit from stronger relationships, greater recognition, and expanded opportunities throughout the country’s trade ecosystem.

New Opportunities Through Guatemala’s AEO Program

The partnership provides SCAN with greater visibility into Guatemala’s Authorized Economic Operator program and its certified companies. This creates new opportunities to connect SCAN members with trusted importers, exporters, distributors, manufacturers, and logistics partners throughout Guatemala.

According to information shared by Guatemala’s AEO leadership, inspection rates for AEO-certified companies are approximately 1-2%, compared to 12-14% for non-AEO companies. These figures demonstrate the tangible advantages of participating in trusted trader programs and investing in strong security and compliance practices.

For SCAN members in the United States and other countries that do business with Guatemala, this enhanced cooperation can help identify and connect with AEO-certified trading partners that have already demonstrated a commitment to internationally recognized security and compliance standards.

Expanding Opportunities for Guatemalan Companies

An important outcome of the partnership is the opportunity it creates for Guatemala’s trade community. AEO-certified manufacturers and AEO-certified importers in Guatemala are now eligible to become SCAN members and join SCAN’s global network of trusted trading partners.

By participating in the SCAN ecosystem, qualifying Guatemalan companies can further strengthen their international recognition, enhance supply chain security, and expand opportunities to connect with multinational companies seeking secure and reliable business partners.

Additionally, several Guatemalan government agencies participate in the AEO program and provide complementary benefits to certified companies, further increasing the value of maintaining strong compliance and security programs. These advantages underscore the growing importance of trusted trader initiatives throughout the region.

Looking Ahead

The MOU with SAT represents another important step in SCAN’s strategy of developing formal partnerships with Customs administrations around the world. SCAN is actively working to establish similar agreements with the Customs administrations of El Salvador and Honduras while continuing discussions with other authorities globally.

Through these partnerships, SCAN aims to deliver measurable value to members by facilitating connections with trusted trading partners, supporting more secure and efficient cross-border commerce, and helping reduce risk throughout international supply chains.

SCAN is optimistic that its partnership with SAT will generate meaningful benefits for businesses, Customs authorities, and the broader international trade community. Together, SCAN and SAT are advancing a shared vision of secure, compliant, and trusted trade while building stronger, safer, and more resilient supply chains for the future. 

Read more on the Guatemala SAT website: Unen esfuerzos para un comercio seguro

MONTERREY, MEXICO – Supply Chain Security Day 2026 brought together government officials, industry leaders, security professionals, academics, and students to advance one shared goal: strengthening secure, resilient, and trusted supply chains across North America and beyond.

Hosted by Cluster de Seguridad, the annual event has become a leading forum for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation in supply chain security. This year’s gathering was especially significant as it coincided with the 25th anniversary of the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT), a program that has fundamentally transformed the relationship between trade facilitation and supply chain security.

Representing SCAN, Executive Director Carlos E. Ochoa participated in discussions focused on trusted trade programs, public-private partnerships, and the evolving security challenges facing global supply chains.

Strong CBP Participation Reinforces Commitment to Trusted Trade

SCAN will participate in Guatemala’s VIII Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Conference on August 18, 2026, at the Hotel Real Intercontinental in Guatemala City.

The event’s theme, “Smart and Interoperable Customs for Secure and Sustainable Trade,” will bring together government officials, customs authorities, AEO-certified companies, and logistics stakeholders. Attendees will discuss supply chain security, trade facilitation, and emerging industry challenges.

Promoting Secure and Sustainable Trade

The congress aims to strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors. It also seeks to promote secure supply chains and improve the efficiency of international trade.

Conference topics include:

• Organized crime trends and digital resilience
• Interoperability and coordinated controls
• Voluntary compliance programs
• Supply chain security and trade facilitation

These discussions support the continued development of resilient and competitive global supply chains.

MOU Signing with Guatemala Customs

A key highlight of the event will be the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between SCAN and Guatemala Customs.

The ceremony is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on August 18 and will last approximately 15 minutes. The agreement represents an important step in strengthening cooperation between the two organizations.

Jennifer Kissner (SCAN Board Chair) will sign on behalf of SCAN and deliver brief remarks following the ceremony. Her comments will focus on collaboration, trusted trader programs, and the shared commitment to supply chain security.

SCAN to Present on Cybersecurity

SCAN will also deliver a 30-minute presentation on cybersecurity during the conference.

As supply chains become increasingly interconnected, cyber threats continue to grow. The presentation will highlight current cybersecurity risks and practical strategies for mitigating them. It will also emphasize the importance of digital resilience in protecting critical trade infrastructure.

Cybersecurity has become a key component of modern supply chain security. Organizations must remain vigilant as threat actors continue to target logistics and transportation networks.

Insights from CBP and Industry Leaders

The conference agenda includes presentations from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Embassy representatives.

Juan Pimentel of CBP will discuss the interoperability of Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs). His presentation will explore how trusted trader programs can work together across borders to facilitate legitimate trade while enhancing security.

Bryan Picado, former CTPAT Manager and current Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City, will speak on risk management. He will share insights on emerging threats and strategies for strengthening supply chain resilience.

Building Stronger Regional Partnerships

In preparation for the conference, SCAN representatives met with Victor Perez, Gustavo Jimenez, and Lissette Barcarcel of Guatemala Customs to review the event agenda and discuss logistics.

Although interpretation services will not be available due to resource limitations, the conference will still provide valuable opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants from across the region.

SCAN’s participation in the VIII AEO Congress reflects its commitment to strengthening international partnerships and advancing supply chain security. Through collaboration with customs administrations, government agencies, and industry stakeholders, SCAN continues to support secure, resilient, and efficient trade throughout the Americas.

Victor Chavez, Executive Director of the Cluster of Security, organizes the event each year. The organization focuses on advancing education and promoting secure trade. Through this effort, it continues to strengthen partnerships across the global supply chain community.

This year’s program will bring together key stakeholders who share a commitment to strengthening supply chain security and resilience. In addition, attendees can expect expert presentations, collaborative discussions, and opportunities to exchange best practices for protecting international trade.