Wednesday, December 9, 2009

New DHS Center to Ensure Safety of Imported Goods

(World Trade Interactive)

The Department of Homeland Security announced December 8 the creation of the Import Safety Commercial Targeting and Analysis Center, a new U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility designed to streamline and enhance federal efforts to address import safety issues.

The CTAC will combine the resources and manpower of CBP and other government agencies – including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Food and Drug Administration and the Food Safety Inspection Service – to protect the U.S. public from unsafe imported products by improving communication and information-sharing and reducing redundant inspection activities.

The new facility will be headed by and located adjacent to CBP’s Office of International Trade in Washington, D.C. Approximately 30 personnel representing all of the participating agencies will work at the CTAC. Find out more about the CTAC here.