On April 20, the National Custom Brokers & Forwarders Association of America Inc., (NCBFAA), signed a voluntary cooperation agreement with Confederación De Asociaciones De Agentes Aduanales De La República Mexicana, A.C., (CAAAREM).

The agreement establishes the scope of private sector activities between NCBFAA and CAAAREM that will enhance the competitiveness of U.S.-Mexican trade by facilitating “trade practices, ensuring security and lawful practices in the supply chain and generating growth and prosperity” for their respective countries.

The agreement also calls for collaborative efforts to increase the professionalism of those involved in “facilitating foreign trade, promoting and supporting companies and increasing exports and imports.”

Under the agreement, NCBFAA and CAAAREM will conduct coordinated certification processes, exchange strategic trade information, promote best trade practices and increasing business transparency, and support the exchange of knowledge in foreign trade.

NCBFAA, established in 1897, represents more than 1,000 member companies, freight forwarders, customs brokers, ocean transportation intermediaries (OTIs), NVOCCs, and air cargo agents, serving more than 250,000 importers and exporters.

Founded in 1938, CAAAREM is an organization that represents the professional interests of customs brokers. CAAAREM is represented by 875 customs agents at border, maritime, air, and inland points of Mexico, through 37 associations of customs agents.