NSI appointed regional independent audit body for TAPA EMEA

As a result, and with immediate effect, the Inspectorate will now be offering certification for TAPA EMEA’s three primary standards: Facility Security, Trucking Security and Parking Security.

A global not-for-profit industry association, TAPA was founded back in 1997 and helps manufacturers/shippers, logistics service providers, freight transport and security services companies when it comes to minimising losses from supply chains due to cargo theft.

Within the EMEA region, the UK is one of the most highly impacted countries for recorded cargo crime. From 1 January 2020 to 30 June this year, no fewer than 5,751 incidents of theft from supply chains were reported to TAPA EMEA’s Intelligence Systems operation in the UK. Of those which stated a financial loss value, 50% of crimes equated to a loss of over £100 million.

On average, over £100,000 worth of goods are stolen from supply chains in the UK each day. Given the majority of cargo crimes in the UK pass by unreported, these figures represent only a fraction of the real picture.

TAPA’s standards have been developed to provide a trusted framework to manage known risks, reduce loss exposure, protect assets and improve people security. By adopting the TAPA EMEA standards, companies are able to work to one common set of security requirements in order to assist in avoiding significant financial loss and reputational damage.

Whether in transit, while parked or in storage, the risk of theft of goods or fuel is always present. That being so, the TAPA standards have been developed by the industry for the industry in a bid to address and minimise the risks.

Widening reach

Richard Jenkins, CEO at the National Security Inspectorate, commented: “We have over 50 years’ experience of auditing organisations against standards in the security sector and we’re delighted to be sharing and widening our reach as a UK-based TAPA EMEA independent auditing body.”

Jenkins continued: “Millions of pounds’ worth of goods are transported each day around the UK and the risk of those goods being focused on by increasingly sophisticated organised crime groups who consider supply chains as lucrative targets is a growing concern. We are proud to be playing an active part in supply chain resilience designed to combat that risk.”

Further, Jenkins observed: “Fully trained in the TAPA security standards for Facility Security, Trucking Security and Parking Security, our auditors are looking forward to working with TAPA EMEA and its extensive member base, which collectively shares a vested and common interest in building supply chain resilience that’s truly fit-for-purpose in today’s interconnected world.”

Thorsten Neumann, president and CEO of TAPA EMEA, responded: “We are delighted to welcome the National Security Inspectorate as one of TAPA EMEA’s independent auditing bodies. The Inspectorate’s experience of supporting the adoption and growth of leading industry standards will help to drive more certifications and secure supply chains across the UK at a time when cargo losses are growing across the EMEA region overall.”