NP-USA OBTAINS C-TPAT CERTIFICATION

Teaneck, NJ, June 2, 2010 - Nippon Paint (USA) Inc. (NP-USA®) reported today that it has obtained C-TPAT certification from the U.S. Customs & Border Protection’s Department of Homeland Security.

C-TPAT is a voluntary government-business initiative to build cooperative relationships that strengthen and improve overall international supply chain and U.S. border security. C-TPAT recognizes that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can provide the highest level of cargo security only through close cooperation with the ultimate owners of the international supply chain such as importers, carriers, consolidators, licensed customs brokers, and manufacturers. Through this initiative, CBP requires businesses to ensure the integrity of their security practices and communicate and verify the security guidelines of their business partners within the supply chain.

C-TPAT offers trade-related businesses an opportunity to play an active role in the war against terrorism. By participating in this first worldwide supply chain security initiative, companies ensure a more secure and expeditious supply chain for their employees, suppliers and customers. Beyond these essential security benefits, CBP offers benefits to certain certified C-TPAT member categories, including:

  • A reduced number of CBP inspections (reduced border delay times)
  • Priority processing for CBP inspections. (Front of the Line processing for inspections when possible.)
  • Assignment of a C-TPAT Supply Chain Security Specialist (SCSS) who will work with the company to validate and enhance security throughout the company’s international supply chain.
  • Potential eligibility for CBP Importer Self-Assessment program (ISA) with an emphasis on self-policing, not CBP audits.
  • Eligibility to attend C-TPAT supply chain security training seminars.

Toshio Harada, General Manager, said “We understand the importance of promoting supply chain and border security. This important certification is another positive step in our efforts to provide excellent customer service by minimizing the number of customs inspections and thus border wait times of products supplied to our customers from overseas.”

About NP-USA®:

Nippon Paint (USA) Inc. (NP-USA®) was established in 1990 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Nippon Paint Co., Ltd. of Osaka, Japan to function as both a holding company for U.S. operations and a distributor for its affiliates. NP-USA®’s mission is to enhance Nippon Paint’s position in the U.S. market by facilitating the successful achievement of the goals of the NP-USA Group.

About Nippon Paint Co., Ltd.

Nippon Paint Co., Ltd., headquartered in Osaka, Japan was established in 1881 and today is a leader in the global paint and coatings industry. Its managing principle is to contribute to the welfare of society as a whole through its business activities, working together for the mutual harmony and benefit of everyone.

It is Nippon Paint's vision to expand globally as a specialty chemical company, offering high value-added coatings. Additionally, it is their fundamental commitment to become a trusted, eco-friendly company that helps protect the environment.