CBP Testifies on C-TPAT Mutual Recognition, Etc.

CBP is Engaged in Mutual Recognition Discussions with Several Governments

According to the CBP Deputy Commissioner's written statement:

"Another important effort to note is the potential mutual recognition of other countries' customs-to-business partnership programs.

The World Customs Organization has developed a global standard for trusted partnerships with the trade, known as the Authorized Economic Operator, or AEO, program. This concept is similar to our C-TPAT.

Mutual Recognition Arrangements reduce costs and simplify these programs for both industry and government. We are engaged in mutual recognition discussions with several governments and are following a very methodical process to achieve recognition. These programs must meet three requirements:

• they must be security-based;
• they must be operational; and
• they must have a minimum level of validation to verify the company has done what it claims to have done.

Creating an international network to exchange information about trusted traders and knowing that those participants are observing specified security standards in the secure handling of goods and relevant information is a win-win for both government and business.

In June 2007, CBP signed its first mutual recognition arrangement with New Zealand and we are beginning to see several positive outcomes and challenges taking form as the work to implement that arrangement continues."

(At the February 2008 meeting of the Departmental Advisory Committee on Commercial Operations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Related Homeland Security Functions (COAC), CBP officials provided a report on the status of CBP's mutual recognition efforts with 11 countries: New Zealand, Jordan, Canada, European Union, Japan, Australia, Singapore, Mexico, Brazil, Ghana, and Kenya. At the meeting, CBP officials also discussed the four-stage methodology that CBP uses to navigate the mutual recognition process with various customs administrations. See ITT's Online Archives or 02/27/08, 08022705, for BP summary containing full details.)

C-TPAT to Strengthen, Leverage Partnerships with Member Companies

CBP Deputy Commissioner Ahern also noted that in fiscal year 2009, C-TPAT will focus its efforts on strengthening the C-TPAT partnership with member companies at both the macro and micro levels and leveraging corporate influence throughout the international supply chain.

CBP to Enhance the Minimum Security Criteria for Enrollment Sectors as Needed

According to Ahern, CBP will also continue to review its performance and, where needed, enhance the minimum security criteria for each enrollment sector. Additionally, CBP will continue to conduct informational and training sessions for various internal/external audiences to improve knowledge of cargo security procedures and provide the latest information regarding terrorism trends and conveyance breeches.

¹This subcommittee is under the House Appropriations Committee.

(See ITT's Online Archives or 04/07/08, 04/08/08, 04/10/08, and 04/16/08 news, 08040705, 08040805, 08041005, and 08041605, for BP summaries on the Global Trade Exchange, 100% scanning (at foreign ports), the deployment of radiation detectors, and the requirement of bolt seals on all containers in transit to the U.S. aspects of the CBP Deputy Commissioner's statement.)

CBP Deputy Commissioner's April 2, 2008 statement available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/congressional_test/border_secuirty_testify.xml.