CBP Issues Fact Sheet on CEE Pharmaceutical Pilot, Notes Survey Completion
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has provided an update on its Center of Excellence and Expertise (CEE1) pilot program to facilitate trade and manage risk within the pharmaceutical industry.
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(In November 2010, CBP launched two pilots: the Center of Excellence and Expertise, and the Account Executive to further strengthen the agency’s relationships with trade and business partners. This CEE was established as a central point of contact for inquiries and resolution of issues regarding pharmaceutical imports. If CBP is satisfied with the pilot, it could roll out the CEE concept on an industry-by-industry basis.)
CEE Mission is to Target Counterfeit Drugs, Drive Uniform Policy, Etc.
The CEE pilot program is comprised of CBP personnel with varying backgrounds and expertise in pharmaceutical entry, enforcement, and trade programs. The CEE's mission is to expand CBP's knowledge base of the pharmaceutical industry, serve as a centralized source of information, and drive uniform implementation of policies, procedures. The CEE additionally aims to facilitate legitimate pharmaceutical trade, and focus enforcement efforts on the identification and targeting of counterfeit, substandard, and unapproved drugs.
CEE Has Compiled Survey Results from Trade, Established Contact Info, Etc.
To date, the CEE has completed the following accomplishments:
- Compiled survey results from trade to identify main areas of dissatisfaction
- Established CEE contact information (phone, email) to provide a central point of contact for CBP and trade
- Completed industry analysis and identified areas of focus to define the CEE pilot focus
CEE Aims to Review C-TPAT, ISA Imports, Reduce Cargo Processing Delays, Etc.
The CEE's goals for this pilot program is to:
- Work with members of the pharmaceutical industry to develop an in-depth knowledge of pharmaceuticals;
- Review C-TPAT and ISA certified pharmaceutical importations to reduce unnecessary delays in cargo and summary processing;
- Establish a CEE that reduces the agency's need for industry information typically obtained through CBP Form 28 and CBP Form 29's;
- Work with members of the pharmaceutical industry to provide trademark/trade name and trade dress product training, identification, and enforcement.
CEE Contact -- Anne Maricich (562) 256-8765
CEE fact sheet available by emailing documents@brokerpoewr.com.
1CEE is also been referred to as Centers of Expertise (CoE)
(See ITT's Online Archives or 03/04/011 news, 11030419, for BP summary of CBP posting the trade contact information for the CEE.
See ITT’s Online Archives or 10/26/10 news, 10102613, for BP summary of CBP launching the pilot.
See ITT’s Online Archives or 11/12/10 news, 10111226, for BP summary of CBP discussing the pilot at the November COAC meeting.)