7 May 2026
By Carlos E. Ochoa, Executive Director, SCAN Association
Sharing this post from the latest edition of T21 – a leading specialized media outlet in Mexico focusing on the logistics, transportation, and foreign trade sectors, providing in-depth analysis of industry trends.
In today’s environment of geopolitical tension, supply‑chain reconfiguration, and heightened regulatory scrutiny, trust has become the most valuable currency in North American trade. For the U.S.–Mexico partnership to remain strong, security can no longer be viewed as a cost or a box‑checking exercise. It is a strategic enabler of commerce.
From the U.S. perspective, trade flows efficiently only when governments can trust that supply‑chain actors operate under robust, verifiable security standards. That is precisely the logic behind programs like CTPAT and OEA: identifying low‑risk partners so trade can move faster, not slower.
This is where SCAN (Supplier Compliance Audit Network) adds tangible value to the USMCA framework.
SCAN operationalizes trust. It connects importers already certified by the U.S. and Canadian governments with suppliers that are independently audited under globally recognized security standards aligned with CTPAT, OEA, and the WCO SAFE Framework. By doing so, SCAN translates government‑to‑government trust into factory‑level, importer‑level, and supply‑chain‑level confidence.
For governments, this means:
Greater visibility and consistency across shared supply chains
Independent, credible evidence of compliance beyond country‑level recognition
Reduced risk without creating friction for legitimate trade
For the USMCA, it means transforming security into facilitation—supporting nearshoring, regional integration, and resilience while preserving strong enforcement.
The equation is simple but powerful:
Security enables trust. Trust enables facilitation. Facilitation sustains USMCA.
In a world where trust moves trade, supply‑chain security is the common language—and initiatives like SCAN help ensure both governments are speaking it with confidence.
Security and trust: the invisible architecture that underpins the USMCA – T21
10 April 2026
Highlights from the SCAN Risk, Compliance, and Innovation Supply Chain Conference in Ho Chi Minh City.
See how global collaboration is driving stronger, more transparent supply chains.
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.
The SCAN audit as a reinforcement of the OAS and CTPAT initiatives before the USMCA
25 March 2026
By Carlos E. Ochoa, Executive Director, SCAN Association
SCAN featured in Mexico’s leading logistics and trade publication!
In the March edition of T21, SCAN’s Executive Director, Carlos Ochoa, shares insights on how SCAN audits can strengthen supply chain security and complement programs like OEA and CTPAT within the T-MEC framework.
The article highlights how SCAN’s collaborative audit model:
– Reduces audit duplication and costs
– Enhances transparency across global supply chains
– Supports government initiatives through trusted, standardized data
– Strengthens cross-border trade and compliance
As global trade continues to evolve, partnerships between the private sector, governments, and organizations like SCAN are key to building more secure, efficient, and resilient supply chains.
Read the full article to learn more:
The SCAN audit as a reinforcement of the OAS and CTPAT initiatives before the USMCA – T21
SCAN meets with Vietnam Customs
16 March 2026
SCAN’s engagement with Vietnam Customs, held during the week of the Risk, Compliance, and Innovation Supply Chain Conferences in Vietnam, reflects a shared commitment to strengthening supply chain security, transparency, and compliance across global trade. Through direct dialogue, both parties explored opportunities to align audit data, enhance risk assessment capabilities, and support trusted trade programs that facilitate faster, more secure cross-border movement of goods. This collaboration highlights the growing importance of public-private partnerships in addressing evolving regulatory expectations while helping exporters build credibility and resilience in international markets.
Social Responsibility and Cybersecurity seen as “passport” for export enterprises
13 March 2026
By Anh Nhi, VnEconomy
Global trade is evolving rapidly, and for export-driven businesses, social responsibility and cybersecurity are no longer optional—they are essential. This article highlights how companies must meet increasing expectations around ethical sourcing, supply chain transparency, and data protection to maintain access to key markets like the U.S. and EU. It also explores how initiatives like SCAN are helping organizations strengthen compliance, reduce audit burdens, and build trust through secure data sharing and emerging technologies like blockchain. Read the full article to learn how these “passports” to global trade are reshaping the future of supply chain operations.
Social Responsibility and Cybersecurity seen as “passport” for export enterprises – VnEconomy
Supply chain security: how importers in the US came together to make suppliers audit efficient and impactful
2 March 2026
By Carlos E. Ochoa, Executive Director, SCAN Association
We’re proud to share that SCAN is featured in the latest edition of WCO News by the World Customs Organization.
The article explores how importers are working together to streamline supplier audits, reduce duplication, and strengthen supply chain security through a shared, standardized approach.
As global trade grows more complex, collaboration and trust are more important than ever—and SCAN is helping lead the way.
Available in English, French, and Spanish.
SCAN 7-Point Inspection Video
26 February 2026
Have you seen SCAN’s 7-Point Inspection video of an empty container?
Share this video with your colleagues, employees, and suppliers to strengthen your security practices and ensure you meet CTPAT Requirement 5.3, which mandates proper container inspection procedures.
Using this resource helps your teams stay compliant and reinforce secure cargo‑handling across your supply chain.
SCAN Appoints Carlos Ochoa as New Executive Director
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release, Monday, September 22, 2025
The Supplier Compliance Audit Network (SCAN), an association comprised of trade compliance experts, is proud to announce the appointment of Carlos Ochoa as Executive Director, effective immediately.
Carlos brings a wealth of experience in global trade compliance, supply chain security, and strategic partnerships, most recently serving as Branch Chief at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) within the CTPAT Partnerships and Engagement Branch. He has been a long-standing advocate for collaborative security initiatives and has played a pivotal role in strengthening the relationship between SCAN and CBP. Carlos’ leadership was instrumental in the signing of the 2024 Joint Statement between SCAN and U.S. Customs, which formally recognized SCAN as a best practice in supply chain security.
“I am thrilled to welcome Carlos Ochoa as SCAN’s new Executive Director! His deep expertise in government and industry collaboration will be a game-changer for SCAN. I am excited for what’s ahead under his leadership.”
Jen Kissner, SCAN Board Chair
In his new role, Carlos will guide SCAN’s strategic direction, deepen member engagement, and expand our audit-sharing platform. His appointment marks a significant milestone in SCAN’s evolution as the leading trade association for supply chain security.
“I’m honored to share that I’ve been selected as the new Executive Director of the SCAN Association. It’s a privilege to step into this role and continue advancing SCAN’s mission to strengthen global supply chain security through collaboration, innovation, and industry leadership.”
Carlos Ochoa, SCAN Executive Director
Founded in 2014, SCAN is a member driven organization that leverages shared audits to provide a best in class security compliance assessment for importers, reduce audit fatigue on global suppliers, and improve the overall operational cost and efficiency of the global supply chain. With 62 members and over 32,000 registered global suppliers, SCAN continues to set the standard for collaboration and trade compliance excellence.
SCAN & CBP Partnership Official!
Tuesday, March 26, 2024, Philadelphia
Today was a historical and momentous day for the SCAN organization. The Joint Statement between U.S. Customs and SCAN was formalized and signed this morning.
The signing parties were Acting CBP Commissioner Miller, Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner Diane Sabatino, SCAN Chair Jen Kissner and SCAN Vice Chair Ken McElroy.
This solidifies the relationship with CBP and the work on the action plan will begin immediately.
We are looking forward to the partnership with CBP!
-Jen Kissner, SCAN Chair
