U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has posted to its Web site its Strategic Plan on the Container Security Initiative (CSI) for fiscal years (FY) 2006-2011.
In September 2006, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issued an interim rule which states that as of November 24, 2006, Canada will no longer be exempt from agricultural quarantine and inspection (AQI) user fees for commercial trucks1, commercial vessels, commercial railroad cars, commercial aircraft, and international air passengers, which enter the U.S. from Canada. (See ITT's Online Archives or 09/07/06 news, 06090720, for BP summary of APHIS interim rule eliminating Canada's exemptions.)
On October 13, 2006, President Bush signed into law the conference version of H.R. 4954 (Public Law 109-347), entitled the "Security and Accountability for Every Port Act of 2006" (SAFE Port Act), a measure intended to improve maritime and cargo security through enhanced layered defenses, and for other purposes.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued an updated version of its document entitled "User Fee Decals and Transponders," which adds information regarding newly approved Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) carriers. CBP's updated document states that newly approved C-TPAT carriers must update their Free and Secure Trade (FAST) vehicle information in their online account. (See document for details on how to update this information.) (CBP document, updated 10/11/06, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/pleasure_boats/user_fee/user_fee_decal.xml)
American Shipper reports that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is preparing to release the first draft of security criteria being prepared for customs brokers participating in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT). American Shipper notes that CBP officials recognize that brokers don't have the ability to control the operations of shippers and overseas intermediaries; however, CBP expects brokers to play a role in screening companies shipping product to the U.S. (American Shipper Pub November 2006, www.americanshipper.com)
(Will Not be Provided in Tucson)
The Pacific Coast Council of Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Associations held its annual Western Cargo Conference (WESCCON) on October 19-21, 2006 in Irvine, CA, during which officials from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) spoke.
On August 29, 2006, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued its new minimum-security criteria for rail carriers. CBP had also issued an associated implementation plan, which included a three-phase implementation schedule for rail carriers already enrolled in the C-TPAT program.
Shippers' Newswire reports that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) expects to complete this month a preliminary blueprint to test the feasibility of using outside auditors to help verify the C-TPAT supply chain security practices of foreign suppliers. The article adds that according to CBP Commissioner Basham, third-party validation is a tool that CBP can use for locations where the U.S. has little access, such as China. (AS, dated 10/12/06, www.americanshipper.com )
The University of Texas at Austin's Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs has issued a report for the Congressional Research Service which is entitled "Port and Supply-Chain Security Initiatives in the United States and Abroad".