NEWS AND EVENTS

Stay Connected with SCAN

Category: SCAN News

SCAN Strengthens International Partnerships at Guatemala’s VIII AEO Conference

SCAN Strengthens International Partnerships at Guatemala’s VIII AEO Conference

Posted on | by Fabiola Montes De Oca | Leave a Comment on SCAN Strengthens International Partnerships at Guatemala’s VIII AEO Conference
July 22, 2026

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.

SGS Highlights the Benefits of SCAN

SGS Highlights the Benefits of SCAN

Posted on | by Fabiola Montes De Oca | Leave a Comment on SGS Highlights the Benefits of SCAN

Supply chain compliance programs are essential for managing security risks, supporting regulatory requirements, and strengthening business partner relationships. However, traditional audit programs can be resource-intensive for both organizations and suppliers.

Recently, SGS, a SCAN-approved audit service provider, highlighted the value of the Supplier Compliance Audit Network (SCAN) and its collaborative approach to supply chain audits. The article emphasizes how audit sharing can help organizations improve efficiency while maintaining high standards for security and compliance.

Click here to learn more about SGS’s SCAN Assessment Services.

What Is SCAN?

The Supplier Compliance Audit Network (SCAN) was developed to facilitate a shared audit strategy among participating organizations. Through its audit-sharing platform, SCAN helps members streamline supplier compliance activities while supporting supply chain security objectives.

The program is built around several key goals:

Improve audit consistency
Lower audit costs
Reduce audit frequency
Maintain confidentiality

By creating a standardized approach, SCAN helps organizations gain greater value from supplier assessments while reducing duplication across the supply chain.

Reducing Audit Fatigue for Suppliers

Many suppliers support multiple customers, each with their own compliance requirements and audit schedules. This often results in repetitive audits covering the same security and compliance topics.

A shared audit model helps reduce unnecessary duplication. Instead of conducting multiple audits of the same facility, participating organizations can benefit from existing audit results, saving time and resources for both suppliers and members.

Improving Consistency Across the Supply Chain

Consistency is critical to an effective compliance program.

When organizations use different audit methodologies, requirements may be interpreted differently, creating challenges for suppliers and stakeholders alike. A collaborative audit framework helps establish common standards and expectations, leading to more reliable and actionable results.

This consistency can improve visibility into supplier performance and support more informed decision-making.

Supporting Supply Chain Security

SCAN’s collaborative approach has attracted attention from the broader supply chain security community. As noted by SGS, both U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) have recognized the potential benefits of audit-sharing initiatives.

By reducing audit duplication and promoting standardized assessments, organizations can focus resources on managing risk, strengthening supplier relationships, and supporting continuous improvement.

The Value of Collaboration

As global supply chains continue to evolve, organizations are looking for ways to increase efficiency without compromising oversight. Audit sharing offers a practical solution that benefits both members and suppliers.

Through collaboration, organizations can reduce administrative burden, improve audit effectiveness, and support stronger supply chain security outcomes.

SCAN remains committed to helping members enhance compliance programs through shared assessments, industry best practices, and collaboration across the supply chain.

Celebrating Secure Trade: Supply Chain Security Day Returns to Monterrey

Celebrating Secure Trade: Supply Chain Security Day Returns to Monterrey

Posted on | by

On August 13, Monterrey will once again become a center for collaboration, innovation, and dialogue as industry leaders gather for the annual Supply Chain Security Day.

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.

Strengthening Partnerships Across the Global Supply Chain

One of the event’s highlights will be a presentation from Carlos Ochoa, SCAN Executive Director. Additionally, he will join a panel discussion with representatives from the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT).

U.S. Customs and Border Protection leads CTPAT, a voluntary public-private partnership program that promotes secure trade. During the event, CTPAT representatives will deliver a presentation and share insights during the panel discussion. Together, the speakers will emphasize the importance of trusted partnerships in addressing evolving security challenges.

Additional attendees include Eric Sherman, SCAN Audit Program Director, and Dina Amato, CBP CTPAT Executive Director. Their participation also reflects a continued commitment to advancing secure and efficient trade practices.

SCAN to Host Special CTPAT Anniversary Celebration

In addition to the conference program, SCAN will host a sponsored social gathering on the evening before Supply Chain Security Day.

This inaugural event will give attendees an opportunity to network in a more informal setting. At the same time, it will celebrate a major milestone: the 25th anniversary of CTPAT. Organizers will recognize the program’s lasting impact on supply chain security and its success in fostering collaboration between government and industry partners.

Furthermore, the gathering will provide another opportunity for professionals to strengthen relationships and exchange ideas outside the conference setting.

A Platform for Security, Trust, and Collaboration

Supply Chain Security Day remains an important event for professionals dedicated to protecting global commerce. At the same time, it helps build efficiency, trust, and stronger partnerships across the supply chain sector.

With active participation from organizations such as CTPAT and the addition of SCAN’s anniversary celebration, this year’s event promises valuable discussions, meaningful connections, and practical insights for attendees. Ultimately, the event reinforces the value of collaboration in addressing today’s security challenges and preparing for those ahead.

For more information, including registration details and the full agenda, visit the official website: https://scs-day.com/

SCAN Expands Membership to Include AEO Importers and Manufacturers

SCAN Expands Membership to Include AEO Importers and Manufacturers

Posted on | by Fabiola Montes De Oca | Leave a Comment on SCAN Expands Membership to Include AEO Importers and Manufacturers
May 21, 2026

The Supplier Compliance Audit Network (SCAN) has expanded its membership structure. As a result, more organizations can now participate in the network and contribute to stronger supply chain security, compliance, and operational excellence.

This update reflects SCAN’s ongoing commitment to collaboration across the global supply chain. By broadening eligibility requirements, SCAN is welcoming new organizations that share its mission of promoting secure, transparent, and resilient trade practices.

Expanding Opportunities for AEO Importers

One of the most significant changes is the introduction of the Executive Global AEO Importer Member category.

This membership is available to importers that participate in Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programs operating under a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with the United States. It also applies to importers in countries that maintain a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SCAN.

As global trade continues to evolve, trusted trader programs play an increasingly important role in supply chain security. Therefore, SCAN’s new membership category creates more opportunities for collaboration among organizations that prioritize compliance, risk management, and operational integrity.

Bringing Manufacturers into the SCAN Community

In addition, SCAN has introduced an Associate Manufacturer Member category.

This membership is designed for organizations engaged in the production, assembly, or manufacturing of export goods. These companies serve an essential role in global trade and help maintain secure supply chains from origin to destination.

By welcoming manufacturers into the network, SCAN expands opportunities for knowledge sharing and industry engagement. Furthermore, manufacturers can connect directly with other supply chain stakeholders who share similar goals and challenges.

Strengthening a Network Built on Trust

SCAN created these new membership categories to strengthen its community of trusted trade partners.

Today, supply chains face growing demands for visibility, compliance, and resilience. Consequently, collaboration among importers, manufacturers, retailers, and service providers has become more important than ever.

SCAN provides a forum where organizations can exchange ideas, discuss emerging challenges, and share best practices. In turn, members gain valuable insights that support continuous improvement and long-term success.

Why Join SCAN?

Membership in SCAN offers several benefits, including:

  • Collaboration with industry leaders and trusted trade partners
  • Access to supply chain security and compliance best practices
  • Insight into evolving regulatory and industry requirements
  • Increased opportunities for networking and professional development
  • Participation in initiatives that support supply chain integrity

Additionally, members become part of a community dedicated to advancing secure and responsible trade practices.

Looking Ahead

The introduction of these new membership categories marks an important milestone for SCAN. More importantly, it supports the organization’s goal of building a stronger and more connected supply chain network.

As SCAN continues to grow, it remains focused on fostering collaboration, promoting accountability, and supporting excellence throughout the global supply chain.

Organizations interested in joining SCAN can visit the Membership Types, Fees, and Benefits page to learn more about available membership options and application requirements.

SCAN 2026 Risk, Compliance, and Innovation Supply Chain Conference: Hanoi, Vietnam

SCAN 2026 Risk, Compliance, and Innovation Supply Chain Conference: Hanoi, Vietnam

Posted on | by
03 April 2026

Collaboration is shaping the future of global supply chains.

Take a look at highlights from RCISCC Vietnam 2026, where industry leaders came together to exchange ideas, address challenges, and advance more transparent and secure systems.

Watch the full recap video on our YouTube channel and see how progress is being driven through the work of the Supplier Compliance Audit Network.

Stay Connected with SCAN

Stay up to date on our stories, news and what’s happening at SCAN Association
BECOME MEMBER OF SCAN
SUBSCRIBE TO SCAN