The Journal of Commerce reports that the European Commission (EC) is in the final steps of changing its customs code to carry out the supply-chain security goals that the European Parliament agreed to in April 2005. The final draft of the regulations, which is expected to include the creation of an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certification, should be available by early 2006. (JOC, dated 10/17/05, www.wsj.com )
CBP has posted to its Web site revised and slightly reformatted Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) online applications for (1) U.S./Mexico highway carriers; (2) U.S./Canada highway carriers; and (3) licensed customs brokers.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a general notice, effective immediately, which announces several changes to enable importers to more easily participate in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE)) Periodic Monthly Statement (PMS) test.
On October 18, 2005, President Bush signed into law the conference version of H.R. 2360, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations Act, 2006 (Public Law (P.L.) 109-90).
According to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) press release, the port of Colombo, Sri Lanka is the 40th operational Container Security Initiative (CSI) port.
The American Shipper reports that during a symposium on reducing supply chain vulnerabilities hosted by MIT's Center for Transportation and Logistics, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Bonner stated on September 29, 2005 that companies that participate in C-TPAT and aspire to the greatest level of expedited customs clearance must take a page from the Sarbanes-Oxley law that holds corporate leaders accountable for the accuracy of their financial statements, and similarly make supply chain security part of their corporate governance structure. According to Bonner, CBP will require that supply chain security practices are periodically reviewed for adequacy and for adequate investment by CEOs and corporate boards seeking eligibility for Tier Three C-TPAT benefits. (AS, dated 10/03/05, ShippersNewsWire@americanshipper.com)
CBP has recently posted a number of additional press releases regarding Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, which have the following titles:
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the ports of Kaohsiung, Taiwan and Santos, Brazil are the 38th and 39th operational Container Security Initiative (CSI) ports.
The President's Homeland Security Council has issued a document entitled, The National Strategy for Maritime Security (NSMS) which is intended to align all Federal government maritime security programs and initiatives into a comprehensive and cohesive national effort involving appropriate Federal, State, local, and private sector entities.
In March 2005, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) implemented its new minimum-security criteria for importer participants in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT).