CBP is Promoting Security Partnership Programs Internationally

CBP discussed its efforts to promote partnership programs, including (i) establishing international standards; (ii) contributing to Authorized Economic Operator (AEO, i.e., supply chain security programs) best practices; and (iii) capacity building activities.

Got WCO Approval for Integration of "10+2" Data Elements into WCO’s SAFE Framework

CBP further discussed its work to establish supply chain security through the World Customs Organization, including its role in the development of WCO’s SAFE Framework of Standards, which was adopted in 2005¹.

CBP states that it has also been contributing to AEO best practices. CBP notes that in 2010 it succeeded in getting the WCO to approve the addition of “10+2” data elements into the SAFE Framework. According to CBP, that WCO decision is expected to be fully implemented in June 2011.

(The WCO SAFE Framework lists the maximum number of data elements that Customs Administrations should require for international trade security purposes. Six of CBP’s “10+2” data elements were already included in the SAFE Framework - Seller, Buyer, Ship to Party, Importer of Record Number, Consignee Number, and Commodity Tariff Number.

During WCO Council sessions in October 2010, WCO Members decided that the remaining “10+2” data elements in so far as they relate to maritime traffic should be incorporated into the SAFE Framework. See ITT’s Online Archives or 10/27/10 news, 10102709, for BP summary.)

Working in Support of DHS Air Cargo Security Efforts, APEC

In addition, CBP is working internationally to garner support for the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS’) air cargo security efforts.

CBP is also working through the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) to work towards the establishment of AEO programs of equal caliber within each APEC economies and to encourage mutual recognition.

CBP Assisting World Customs Organization, Etc. with Capacity Building

In March 2009, WCO began working on AEO programs for Central America and Guatemala and Costa Rica were two countries that had the capacity to launch their own AEO programs.

CBP notes a general surge in AEO capacity building in the Western Hemisphere through the work of the Inter American Development Bank, which is assisting Peru, Colombia, Uruguay, Dominican Republic, and Panama in the development of AEO programs. CBP has been providing technical assistance to these countries.

¹In 2005 the WCO adopted the SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade, to strengthen end-to-end supply chain security through enhanced Customs-to-Customs networking and formal partnerships with trade.

(See ITT’s Online Archives or 04/18/11 news, 11041825, for BP summary of the CBP Commissioner’s reiteration, at the Trade Symposium, of his goal to increase participation in the Customs --Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT), the U.S. supply chain security partnership program. At the Trade Symposium, Bersin also stated that C-TPAT members need to receive more benefits, and that DHS was examining the possibility of a single, department-wide trusted trade program for cargo.)

(See ITT’s Online Archives or 01/31/11 news, 11013141, for BP summary of DHS’ announcement that it would focus on global supply chain and aviation security in 2011.

See ITT’s Online Archives or 11/01/10 news, 10110122, for BP summary on the WCO’s promotion of partnership with customs brokers in Latin America.

See ITT’s Online Archives or 11/01/10 news, 10110123, for BP summary of WCO, Andean Community’s revitalized MOU on customs procedures.

See ITT’s Online Archives or 10/27/10 news, 10102709, for BP summary of WCO discussion of anti-counterfeiting, 10+2, and AEO benefits.)