LRQA has been authorised by the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) to assess and certify companies to its Freight Security Requirements (FSR) throughout the world.

LRQA has been a provider of these services in Asia since 2006 and the new agreement now makes LRQA one of only four independent audit firms chosen to assess and certify companies to TAPA FSR on a global basis.

Providing TAPA certification, along with LRQA's strong commitment to the development of the global ISO 28000 supply chain security standard, positions LRQA as the leading provider of global supply chain security management systems.

"TAPA is a global security initiative that will compliment ISO 28000 and other regional supply chain security initiatives that are currently being developed and rolled out," said Paul Phyall, Senior Vice President for LRQA in Asia. "Compliance with the FSR initiative, and its integration with other like-minded programs, will not only secure the movement of hi-tech or high-risk goods, it will smooth the overall flow of international trade. The added visibility they offer also could make individual supply chains more cost-effective."

TAPA created the FSR standard seven years ago to meet the challenges trade transport and logistics companies faced from the multiplying threats to their supply chains.

Certification to the standard helps assure that management systems incorporate the latest requirements for safe and secure transportation, handling and warehousing of hi-tech and high-risk goods.

It specifies the minimum acceptable security standards for products travelling through the supply chain, and illustrates the methods by which those standards should be maintained.

LRQA and Supply Chain Security

LRQA has vast experience with security assessments gained from carrying out audits to assess compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility (ISPS) code, TAPA FSR in Asia and ISO 28000.

Having issued the first ISO 28000 global certificate, LRQA is in a prime position to share that experience and expertise to help companies manage security risks and assure a predictable level of supply.

"Our people are the key to our success. All our assessors have the knowledge to help ensure your systems do their job effectively and improve your company's performance," said Paul Phyall, "Our experts have been instrumental in helping port facilities worldwide to develop their security plans and we act as a recognised security organisation for more than 60 governments."

With this new agreement LRQA can now offer assessments to the TAPA standard and ISO 28000 through an integrated package, if requested.

With the EU having introduced Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status for all companies trading with EU Member States, companies wishing to obtain the AEO certificate can speed up the process by demonstrating compliance to the ISO 28000. TAPA FSR certification also addresses some specific AEO requirements.

LRQA therefore is in an unrivalled position to help companies obtain AEO certification, and demonstrate their security management systems to clients and customs authorities.

For further information about LRQA supply chain services, please contact:

Asia: Paul Phyall paul.phyall@lr.org
EMEA: Ronald de Kok r onald.deKok@lr.org
Americas: Dave Hadlet dave.hadlet@lr.org

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Editor's Notes

LRQA is a leading business assurance company providing verification, certification and training services to a wide range of organisations around the world. LRQA helps clients use management systems to reduce their risks and improve their business. LRQA is a member of the Lloyd's Register Group.

The Lloyd's Register Group is an independent management organisation that works to help improve its clients' quality, safety, environmental and business performance throughout the world, because life matters. Its expertise and activities cover railways, shipping, oil and gas, and other asset-based industries.

LRQA Press contacts:

Alex Briggs, Marketing Communications Manager
MSBS, LRQA Centre, Hiramford, Middlemarch Office Village, Siskin Drive, Coventry, CV3 4FJ

Tel: +44 (0) 24 7688 2382
Email: alex.briggs@lrqa.com