Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (Cmaa)

The scope of the 1997 agreement was expanded by an agreement signed in Washington D.C on April 22, 2004 (the “2004 Agreement”). The 2004 agreement extends customs cooperation between the EU and the US to security of the supply chain and, in particular, cooperation in the area of the US Container Security Initiative (ITC). It foresees a rapid and successful extension of ISCs to all EU ports meeting the requirements. The 2004 agreement also provides for a work programme for other implementation measures, including the development of standards for risk management techniques, information to be introduced into the parties to identify high-risk shipments and cross-sector partnership programmes. The CCM is responsible for monitoring the implementation and smooth running of the 2004 agreement. In June 1967, the Customs Cooperation Council (CCC), which changed its name to the World Customs Organization (WHO), defined the content of the “customs mutual assistance agreement model”; and most of the countries participating in the WCO are adopting this model as a project for the signing of a CMAA. The ROC has signed agreements with other countries on the basis of the WCO model, while negotiating the corresponding versions based on the status of the counterparty. A CMAA will not only speed up customs clearance, reduce trade costs and uncertainties, but also strengthen the development of cross-border trade and, in addition, the signing of CMAA between the ROC and other countries will improve customs cooperation and improve the efficiency of customs enforcement in order to make a significant contribution to the convenience and security of cross-border trade. Following the adoption of US legislation in 2007, which introduced a 100% scanning requirement for US-linked maritime cargo for export, the Commission has carried out a series of studies to assess the impact of the implementation of this legislation on customs, shipping and trade in the EU. The results of the Commission`s investigation are presented in the Commission`s February 2010 working paper entitled “Safe Trade and 100% Container Digitisation”. Customs cooperation between the EU and the US is based on a 1997 agreement and was strengthened by a 2004 agreement, a joint declaration on supply chain security in 2011 and a decision on mutual recognition of the 2012 trade partnership programmes. Signing of the decision on mutual recognition of the AEO and C-TPAT programs on 4 May 2012.