CBP Commissioner Discusses Strategy to Increase Security and Facilitation of Global Trade
On September 21, 2004, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Bonner addressed the first Customs World Summit for World Customs Leaders in London on a strategy to increase security and facilitation of global trade.
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(This summit was hosted by Customs World, a publication supported by the World Customs Organization (WCO).)
The following are "highlights" of Commissioner Bonner's written remarks:
Bonner Calls on EU to Adopt a 24-Hour Rule, Customs-Trade Partnership, Etc.
The Commissioner expressed his desire to see the European Union (EU) join with the U.S. on this strategy to increase security and facilitation of global trade.
Therefore, the Commissioner stated that the U.S. is actively discussing with the EU the adoption of a 24-Hour Rule; expanding the Container Security Initiative (CSI) to goods being shipped to EU ports; the adoption of a Customs-Trade Partnership program; and the use of automated risk targeting to help identify what is a potential terrorist risk.
Commissioner Calls for WCO-Endorsed International Framework of Standards
According to the Commissioner, the core elements of these four U.S. initiatives (the U.S.' 24-Hour Rule, CSI, the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT), and automated risk targeting) can be used to form an international Framework of "standards" to govern customs-to-customs relationships and customs-to-business relationships. The Commissioner noted that the WCO can, and should, lead such an effort.
In his judgment, a WCO-endorsed Framework would consist of the following five elements:
24-hour advance data. All nations joining the international Framework or regime would require advanced manifest information about shipments 24 hours before lading. The data elements to be provided would be harmonized, so all nations joining in the Framework would require and receive the same data on shipments, preferably electronically.
Common risk management approach. Each country should employ a common risk management approach with regard to the terrorist threat, in the way "high risk" containers are identified, inbound and outbound.
Information sharing relevant to terrorist risks. There should be information sharing relevant to terrorist risks between the customs authorities of nations participating in the Framework.
Outbound inspections using detection equipment. At the reasonable request of the receiving nation, based upon a common risk targeting methodology, the sending nation's customs agency would perform an outbound inspection, preferably using detection equipment, such as large-scale x-ray machines and radiation detectors, of high risk containers.
Benefits for private sector that meets standards. Each nation participating in the Framework would agree to provide benefits, such as expedited processing, to private sector companies that meet minimal supply chain security standards and best practices.
The Commissioner stated that the WCO has already begun work that could lead to such a Framework. Last June, the WCO adopted a resolution that established a High Level Group of heads of customs (Directors General) to draft such a global Framework. (See ITT's Online Archives or 07/19/04 news, 04071920, for BP summary.)
Bonner noted that the private sector, who own and know the supply chain, would also be consulted before a Framework is adopted.
The Commissioner expressed hope that a draft Framework will be presented to the WCO Policy Commission this December 2004.
(See text for Commissioner's remarks regarding the minimum preparatory steps for developing countries that may not have the capacity to participate in such a Framework.)
Commissioner Calls for Immediate Application of Core Security Elements
While a Framework is developed, the Commissioner expressed that it is imperative that the core elements of CSI, C-TPAT, advance information requirements, and risk targeting approach are applied throughout the world as soon as possible so that all ports, in all nations are secure from the physical and economic threat of global terrorism.
CBP Commissioner Bonner's written remarks (dated 09/21/04) available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/commissioner/speeches_statements/09212004_customs_world.xml