TAPA FSR

In the past two decades, high-value products such as notebooks or mobile phones have become smaller, faster, more portable - and more desirable for criminals. As security in production facilities and warehouses increased, gangs began targeting the products in transit. Cargo theft is now estimated to cost the global industry some $30-60 billion per year and loss ratios, in some cases, are as high as 30%. The number of crime-related incidents is increasing all the time.

In 1997 the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) was set up in North America by security managers from leading manufacturers of high-value products to fight the global growth in high-value freight crime. Since then, TAPA has grown into a unique forum of manufacturers, freight carriers and handlers, law enforcement agencies, security and logistics professionals, insurers and other stakeholders - united by the common aim of reducing losses in the global transport, handling and storage of high-value goods.

At a time of unprecedented security threats TAPA has effectively addressed the security risk to the high-value industry. TAPA's most notable risk management tool is the globally recognised Freight Security Requirements (FSR), which covers perimeter security, access control (office areas), dock/warehouse facilities, security systems and procedures, standard truck security requirements, pre-alerts and enhanced security requirements. Drawn up by experts in the high-tech industry, TAPA FSR is directed at transport and logistics companies, defines the minimum acceptable safety standards for the global transport of high-value products, and outlines the processes and specifications a company needs to receive TAPA certification.

FSR really works. The most recent TAPA benchmark survey found that participating companies' loss ratios dropped by 40% - a reduction attributed by security experts to the implementation of global TAPA FSR certification. That is why multinational manufacturers and distributors now include TAPA FSR in their contracts and transport providers increasingly refer to it as the global benchmark.

The large number of TAPA-certified facilities worldwide reflects a genuine commitment to the cause of improving supply chain security by the international freight industry. Hundreds of new audits each year point to an increasing awareness of the importance of TAPA FSR certification. Currently, only four certification organisations are accredited as audit bodies for worldwide TAPA FSR certification - and Germanischer Lloyd Certification (GLC) is one of them.