Share this on

MFA Chosen for Security Validation Pilot Program

GDA Staff -- Gifts and Dec, 2/6/2012 10:59:00 AM

Toledo, OH - Mark Feldstein & Associates (MFA), gift and housewares manufacturer and importer, has received final validation as a partner in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) pilot program of the U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) agency of the Department of Homeland Security.

C-TPAT is a voluntary government-business initiative to strengthen and improve the security of the international supply chain. Established in 2001, C-TPAT is a cooperative effort, for importers, ocean carriers, consolidators, licensed customs brokers and manufactures, to ensure the integrity of their security practices and verify security guidelines throughout their supply chain.

First certified in 2005, MFA was selected in 2011 to be part of a select pilot validation program between U.S. and China Customs to conduct factory security audits in China, which prior to this U.S. Customs was not allowed to do. A joint team from China Customs, U.S. Customs and MFA conducted an on-site security audit at one of MFA's major supplier partners located in Guang Dong, China. The audit team reviewed container loading procedures, facility security systems, IT security, procedural security and personnel hiring processes. Only 100 factories in China were scheduled to receive a validation audit in 2011.

In addition, CBP Supply Chain Security Specialists conducted an audit at MFA headquarters/warehouse in Maumee, OH. This consisted of a facility inspection, as well as review of all security policies, procedures and documentation. MFA was cited as having best practices in their supplier questionnaires and risk-assessment procedures.

"Completing the stringent processes to achieve C-TPAT validation provides our customers with the highest quality service and security measures available," added Mark Feldstein, president, Mark Feldstein & Associates. "In addition, it also allows us an opportunity to take an active role in national security and gives us a sense of community responsibility."

Share this on

Talkback

We would love your feedback!

No related articles for this topic.

Also by this author

»MORE

Featured Company

Wright Labels

Bill and Tom Wright founded Wright of Thomasville in 1961 on the idea that printing was a creative medium and the belief that "a promise made is a promise kept." The Wright brothers focused their attention on providing exceptional printing for the... more