The U.S. and European Union plan to implement mutual recognition of their supply chain security programs by the end of October.

Completing prolonged mutual-recognition discussions between Customs and Border Protection's Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, and the EU Authorized Economic Operator programs is one of 18 action items listed in the statement signed by three European Commission members and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. The latter was in Brussels to address the World Customs Organization.

"The terrorist threat must not be allowed to impair international trade and economic development," the statement said. "Security policies should be risk-based, cost-effective and should facilitate as well as secure transport operations."

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