Colombian banana giant Banacol has been awarded the highest C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) certification for its US-based operations.
According to a news statement, the certification will bring a number of benefits, including greater credibility and trust in the company among US authorities.
The seal will also boost efficiency at Banacol in terms of reducing the movement of containers and fruit for inspection by the US Customs and Border Protection Office.
Banacol is one of only 250 companies to be awarded the highest C-TPAT standard in the US.
C-TPAT is a joint initiative of the US government and supply companies to the US market to build trade cooperation relations, and ultimately reinforce and improve the supply chain and border security.
According to Banacol, the certification requires an exhaustive review of suppliers’ security systems from the point of origin to the distribution point in the US to identify any illicit substances which could put the country at risk.
Banacol is one of the world’s leading banana marketers, with production bases in Colombia as well as Costa Rica.
The group also supplies plantains, pineapples and specialty vegetables such as yucca and chayote.
