(CBP)
Participants included executives from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission; the Environmental Protection Agency; the Food and Drug Administration; the Food Safety and Inspection Service; the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; the National Marine Fisheries Service and Department of Homeland Security agencies U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The agency leaders affirmed their commitment to import safety by agreeing to six key principles of import safety, providing a foundation for further collaboration and cooperation among the agencies charged with protecting American consumers from unsafe imports. The principles call for:
1. The creation of an interagency forum of senior representatives dedicated to import safety cooperation;
2. Continued commitment to information sharing across federal agencies involved in import safety concerns;
3. Enhanced efforts to help the private sector comply with import safety requirements;
4. Development of common systems to exchange information;
5. Strong, consistent enforcement measures to deter imports of unsafe products; and
6. The use of risk-management strategies to streamline lawful trade.
In addition to discussing the principles, participating agencies agreed to an interagency memorandum of understanding which will improve targeting and enforcement efforts at the Commercial Targeting and Analysis Center, a fusion center for agencies to share targeting resources, analysis and expertise to achieve the common mission of protecting American consumers from unsafe imports.Agency heads and other senior leaders from 10 federal agencies met today [October 21] at the Interagency Import Safety Conference to focus on efforts to protect the health and safety of the American consumer and the environment from unsafe imports.
Showing posts with label Border Security. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Border Security. Show all posts
Friday, October 22, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Pre-Clear Border Shipping
(National Post – Michael Hart)
For nearly a century, Canadian and American officials have worked together to reduce the divide created by their common border. Until 9/11, their efforts were crowned with increasing success; after 9/11, security concerns thickened the border and undermined the benefits that Canadians and Americans had come to expect from what Sir Winston Churchill once characterized as the world’s longest undefended border.
This downward spiral need not, and should not, continue. Modern technology allows the two governments to return to the successful trajectory of the past by pre-clearing as many people and goods as possible before they arrive at the physical border. Clearance at the physical border limits the amount of information and time required for inspectors to make informed decisions about risk and compliance. Satisfying all clearance requirements at the border can also delay travellers and shippers, lead to traffic congestion, add to the cost of doing business across the border, and chill discretionary trade, investment and travel.
A well-functioning border is critical to commerce in the integrated North American economy. The days are long gone when the norm was a carrier crossing the border loaded with finished products destined for retail shelves. Today, that carrier is usually part of a time-sensitive supply chain, loaded with inputs and components destined for further operations in the other country. The hidden tax of new data and of processing requirements adds significantly to production costs, undermining the competitiveness of North American producers, particularly those whose products cross the border several times during production.
Pre-clearance will offer such users a system that is more cost-effective than one that relies almost exclusively on inspection and verification at the physical border. It will also provide border officials with more reliable and timely information to make prudent risk assessments. Read more here.
For nearly a century, Canadian and American officials have worked together to reduce the divide created by their common border. Until 9/11, their efforts were crowned with increasing success; after 9/11, security concerns thickened the border and undermined the benefits that Canadians and Americans had come to expect from what Sir Winston Churchill once characterized as the world’s longest undefended border.
This downward spiral need not, and should not, continue. Modern technology allows the two governments to return to the successful trajectory of the past by pre-clearing as many people and goods as possible before they arrive at the physical border. Clearance at the physical border limits the amount of information and time required for inspectors to make informed decisions about risk and compliance. Satisfying all clearance requirements at the border can also delay travellers and shippers, lead to traffic congestion, add to the cost of doing business across the border, and chill discretionary trade, investment and travel.
A well-functioning border is critical to commerce in the integrated North American economy. The days are long gone when the norm was a carrier crossing the border loaded with finished products destined for retail shelves. Today, that carrier is usually part of a time-sensitive supply chain, loaded with inputs and components destined for further operations in the other country. The hidden tax of new data and of processing requirements adds significantly to production costs, undermining the competitiveness of North American producers, particularly those whose products cross the border several times during production.
Pre-clearance will offer such users a system that is more cost-effective than one that relies almost exclusively on inspection and verification at the physical border. It will also provide border officials with more reliable and timely information to make prudent risk assessments. Read more here.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
New CBP Office Weighs Technology Investment Strategy
(Mickey McCarter — HS Today)
SBInet manager heads new effort to solve problems that plagued virtual fence, other programs
The commissioner of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has promoted the program manager of the agency's virtual fence project to head a new office tasked with planning for complex technology acquisition programs in general.
Mark Borkowski, who still remains manager of the Secure Border Initiative-Network (SBInet), also took on the role of assistant commissioner of Technology Innovation and Acquisition starting in July. CBP Commissioner Alan Bersin tasked him first with delivering a set of recommendations on the scope of his new office's duties, due by the end of this year. Read more here.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Montreal Student Sues U.S. for Border Searches
(The Associated Press via CBC News)
Lawyers, photographers in lawsuit to stop searches without cause
Civil rights lawyers cited the case of a Montreal student Tuesday as they sued the U.S. government to try to stop authorities from examining the laptops, cellphones and cameras of international travellers without probable cause.
The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn against the Department of Homeland Security, as well as U.S. customs and immigration authorities.
In May, a graduate student in Islamic studies at McGill University in Montreal was detained for several hours as his electronic devices were searched, the suit says. The encounter badly frightened the student, according to the suit. Read more here.
Related:
• ACLU files suit against suspicionless laptop searches at U.S. borders - Fierce Government
• Privacy watchdogs challenge laptop seizures at US orders - Register
• Group sues Department of Homeland Security to stop laptop searches - InfoWorld
• New lawsuit to challenge laptop searches at US border - Washington Post
Getting Your Data Safely Across the Border
(Techworld)
Since the terrorist attack on the 9/11, the United States has sacrificed some freedoms and liberties in exchange for tighter security in an attempt to prevent future attacks. The ACLU has joined with other groups in filing a legal challenge to one such security measure that infringes on personal liberty--the practice of searching laptops without cause at border crossings. However, there are also other ways you can get your data across the border without having it accessed by the prying eyes of Big Brother.
Benjamin Franklin is given credit for saying “They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety,” and many of the security measures that have been implemented in the wake of 9/11 violate this basic tenet. But, for some organizations that fall under HIPAA, SOX, GLBA, or other regulations, safeguarding data is not just a principle of personal freedom, but also a compliance mandate.
Check It: If you are traveling by air, you can get your laptop past the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) checkpoint and possibly CBP (Customs and Border Protection) agents by checking it with your luggage. Odds are fair that you wouldn't really use it on the flight anyway. Unless you're flying first class (and how many businesses still allow for expensing first class travel?), there is simply no room to work with a laptop. Whatever minor productivity might result is most likely not worth the effort and frustration. Read more here.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
The C-TPAT 5-Step Risk Assessment: How to Meet CBP’s Expectations and Keep Your Cargo Moving – Webinar, September 8
(Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg)
Webinar – Ref#1124
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
1:00-2:30pm EST
Cost: $99.00
CBP is now requiring companies, particularly importers, to develop and implement a 5-step risk assessment process as part of their C-TPAT programs. Although CBP has stated that this is not a new concept, many companies are not sure how to satisfy this requirement in the most efficient, cost-effective manner.
Importers and C-TPAT members are urged to attend this ninety-minute webinar, in which we will cover the mechanics of conducting a C-TPAT risk assessment that effectively addresses all five steps, including threat and vulnerability assessments, in a way that will satisfy CBP without overburdening company personnel.
Attendees will also take away the most up-to-date information on how to adequately prepare for C-TPAT validations and revalidations, as well as conduct security training and awareness for company personnel and supply chain partners. The webinar will address proven C-TPAT “best practices” to effectively maintain validation status, and will include an interactive question and answer session during which participants can raise issues pertinent to their C-TPAT activities.
This webinar will be presented by Lenny Feldman, a Member of Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A. and Manager of the Miami office. Mr. Feldman concentrates his practice in complex issues pertaining to import classification and valuation, trade preference qualification, textile transshipment, seizures and penalties, importer/broker compliance programs, export controls, and C-TPAT/border security. Mr. Feldman is nationally known as a leading C-TPAT expert having advised hundreds of companies through the certification, validation and revalidation processes. Prior to joining the Firm, Mr. Feldman was a senior attorney with the U.S. Customs Service in Washington, D.C., from 1991 to 2000. While serving in the Penalties, Value and General Classification branches at CBP headquarters, he issued several hundred national guidelines, directives and administrative rulings.
Register online here.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
What We're Doing to Secure the Border
(Alan D. Bersin/John Morton — Wall Street Journal)
Last year, illegal crossings in the Southwest were down 23%, to a fraction of their all-time high
Yesterday, after months of heated rhetoric and debate about Arizona's controversial new immigration law, federal Judge Susan Bolton blocked most of SB 1070 from taking effect. The move served as an important affirmation of the federal government's responsibility in enforcing our nation's immigration laws. But regardless of what happened with this case, this administration will continue to enforce the law, just as we have been doing for the past 18 months: with unprecedented resources and a clear commitment to serious, smart and effective enforcement that has yielded important results.
We are career prosecutors who lead the two main border and immigration enforcement agencies in the United States—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). We know the paramount importance of enforcing the law and we understand the federal government's responsibilities. And what we have seen on the border, at workplaces, and in communities across America in the past 18 months represents the most serious approach to enforcement we have witnessed in our careers.
Read the complete editorial here.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
US Starting to Work Collaboratively on the Border, Instead of Alone: Experts
(Anca Gurzu — Embassy)
Last week, Public Safety Minister Vic Toews and United States Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced a plan to establish a first-ever cross-border approach to critical infrastructure. It would see the two nations sharing information and managing risks in an effort to better prepare and respond to natural disasters. The two countries also announced the possibility of sharing information to combat money-laundering and terrorist financing.
“Our mutual security extends beyond our borders and we must work together to mitigate threats before they reach either Canada or the US while facilitating the legitimate mobility of people and goods between us,” Mr. Toews said in a news release.
“The security of the United States and Canada is uniquely linked by proximity and a long history of close collaboration between our two governments,” followed Mrs. Napolitano.
But the history of close collaboration has not been that long, experts say. In the aftermath of 9/11, Canada has been mostly reacting to unilaterally-proposed security measures by the US, as opposed to truly working together, they say.
It is the language of this latest announcement and the last few months, however, that make experts optimistic about the move towards true collaboration. Read more here.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Canada-U. S. Border ‘Last Line Of Defence’
(The Calgary Herald)
The first line of defence for protecting Canada and the United States from terrorist attacks starts overseas and shouldn’t mean a painful clampdown at the border, U.S. Ambassador David Jacobson told government officials Monday in Calgary.
Speaking at the annual Pacific Northwest Economic Region conference, Jacobson recognized the reality of the Canada-U. S. border has been “radically altered” since the 2001 terrorist attacks.
There have been myriad “headaches” at the border, including delays and hassles for passenger and commercial traffic in an effort to improve security, he said.
But he believes improving security along the 49th parallel doesn’t mean gridlock at the border. He urged Canadians and Americans to look at the border “not as our first line of defence, but as our last line of defence.”
A secure and efficient border is possible, Jacobson stressed, but it means investing in infrastructure and new technology at home. He’s advocating for a “layered” approach to security that reaches beyond North America; one that identifies and confronts security threats before they make it to Canada and the United States.
Quality intelligence, improved security and screening at other airports around the world, and better co-ordination among various national governments are all needed, he said.
“The more we do to improve our security efforts out on the perimeter, away from the border, the more we can focus on working in partnership to achieve border efficiencies here,” Jacobson said.
“We don’t have to choose between security on the one hand and efficiency on the other hand,” he said. “We can achieve both.” Read more here.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Minister of State Kent to Promote Cooperation in the Americas with Key European Partners
(Industry Canada)
The Honourable Peter Kent, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas), today announced that he will travel to Brussels and Berlin from July 18 to 22, 2010, to promote Canada’s engagement in the Americas and discuss shared security challenges rooted in the hemisphere.
“Organized crime and drug trafficking pose significant security and governance challenges, particularly in Central America and the Caribbean,” said Minister of State Kent. “In our increasingly globalized world, a regional security challenge can quickly transform into an international threat. Our experience in tackling drug trafficking shows that isolated efforts, even effective ones, cannot result in lasting success. We must resolve to work together to confront these collective security threats.”
While in Brussels, the Minister of State will meet with Andris Piebalgs, European Commissioner for Development, with responsibility for the Caribbean and reconstruction in Haiti, with Latin American and Caribbean ambassadors to the European Union and with Médecins sans frontières.
During his visit to Berlin, Minister of State Kent will meet with Werner Hoyer, Minister of State at Germany’s Federal Foreign Office, and with German parliamentarians. He will also participate in a round-table discussion on Latin America with German foundations and think tanks active in the region.
“Canada is committed to working collaboratively with countries throughout the region and around the world to establish a safer, more democratic and prosperous hemisphere,” said Minister of State Kent. “This visit is an opportunity to increase joint action with Germany and the European Union. We look forward to working together with these key partners to advance our shared objectives in the hemisphere.”
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Uncle Sam Wants Your Data [Bill C-42]
(Montreal Gazette – Kevin Dougherty)
Washington would control who boards Canadian flights over U.S.
The Harper government has quietly presented a bill in the House of Commons that would give U.S. officials final say over who may board aircraft in Canada if they are to fly over the United States en route to a third country.
“Canadian sovereignty has gone right out the window,” Liberal transport critic Joe Volpe told The Gazette in recent telephone interview. “You are going to be subject to American law.”
Bill C-42 amends Canada’s Aeronautics Act to allow airlines to communicate passenger information to “a foreign state” for flights over that country without landing. At present, airlines are only required to give passenger information to the U.S. government on flights landing in the United States. Read more here.
Washington would control who boards Canadian flights over U.S.
The Harper government has quietly presented a bill in the House of Commons that would give U.S. officials final say over who may board aircraft in Canada if they are to fly over the United States en route to a third country.
“Canadian sovereignty has gone right out the window,” Liberal transport critic Joe Volpe told The Gazette in recent telephone interview. “You are going to be subject to American law.”
Bill C-42 amends Canada’s Aeronautics Act to allow airlines to communicate passenger information to “a foreign state” for flights over that country without landing. At present, airlines are only required to give passenger information to the U.S. government on flights landing in the United States. Read more here.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Canada Strengthens Its Cargo Security with Japan, Singapore and South Korea
(CBSA)
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that it has signed three Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) with customs organizations in Japan, Singapore and South Korea. The new arrangements will promote a smarter, more secure and efficient border.
The signing took place at the World Customs Organization in Brussels, Belgium. The MRAs confirm that Japan, Singapore and South Korea are using criteria similar to those used by Canada’s Partners in Protection (PIP) program when granting companies membership to their respective cross-border programs: Japan’s Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, Singapore’s Secure Trade Partnership program and South Korea’s AEO program.
“The signing of these three arrangements is an excellent opportunity for Canada to further develop its trade relationships with Japan, Singapore and South Korea,” said Stephen Rigby, President of the CBSA. “This will provide Canadian companies greater facilitation in these key foreign markets, while further ensuring the security of the supply chain.”
This international cooperation will allow customs agents to focus their efforts on unknown or high-risk areas – a demonstration of how Canada is moving forward to increase cargo security on an international scale while continuing to support economic prosperity.
Members of the CBSA’s Partners in Protection program benefit from having an enhanced reputation as low-risk companies and attract business partners looking for companies with high security standards. In addition, participation in PIP is a prerequisite for expedited cross-border clearance through their participation in Canada’s Free and Secure Trade program.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that it has signed three Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) with customs organizations in Japan, Singapore and South Korea. The new arrangements will promote a smarter, more secure and efficient border.
The signing took place at the World Customs Organization in Brussels, Belgium. The MRAs confirm that Japan, Singapore and South Korea are using criteria similar to those used by Canada’s Partners in Protection (PIP) program when granting companies membership to their respective cross-border programs: Japan’s Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, Singapore’s Secure Trade Partnership program and South Korea’s AEO program.
“The signing of these three arrangements is an excellent opportunity for Canada to further develop its trade relationships with Japan, Singapore and South Korea,” said Stephen Rigby, President of the CBSA. “This will provide Canadian companies greater facilitation in these key foreign markets, while further ensuring the security of the supply chain.”
This international cooperation will allow customs agents to focus their efforts on unknown or high-risk areas – a demonstration of how Canada is moving forward to increase cargo security on an international scale while continuing to support economic prosperity.
Members of the CBSA’s Partners in Protection program benefit from having an enhanced reputation as low-risk companies and attract business partners looking for companies with high security standards. In addition, participation in PIP is a prerequisite for expedited cross-border clearance through their participation in Canada’s Free and Secure Trade program.
CBP Detroit Implements ‘Ready Lane’ Pilot Program
(CBP)
RFID-Enabled Documents Get Special Lane During Program
U.S. Customs and Border Protection today announced a pilot program at the Ambassador Bridge for travelers with approved Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology-enabled travel documents. The pilot program will start Monday, June 28, and last for 90 days.
CBP will dedicate lane 13, or the “Ready Lane,” for travelers entering the U.S. with a WHTI-compliant, RFID-enabled document. These documents include:
• U.S. Passport card
• Enhanced Driver’s License or Enhanced Identification card
• Trusted Traveler card, such as NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST
• New Permanent Resident card or a new Border Crossing card
“Since the implementation of WHTI in June 2009, travelers have been required to present secure travel documents that denote citizenship and identity when entering the U.S. at land ports,” said Acting Director Field Operations Roderick Blanchard. “The use of RFID technology in these documents enables CBP to further facilitate legitimate travelers as they cross the border into the U.S. This pilot program will help us determine the efficiency and effectiveness of a dedicated RFID lane for those travelers.”
During the pilot program, the “Ready Lane” will be open from 6 to 10 a.m., seven days a week. CBP will monitor the success of the lane and expand the hours of operation as needed to meet the demand for usage.
In order to use this dedicated lane, all adult passengers over the age of 16, must present one of the approved travel documents.
Travelers using the “Ready Lane” are reminded the three simple steps to follow as they approach a U.S. land port of entry with their RFID-enabled travel card:
• Stop at the entry to the inspection lane and wait for a signal to move forward.
• Each passenger removes his or her travel card from its protective sleeve and holds it up, with the flat front face of the card toward a window on the driver’s side. The RFID-enabled cards will be read automatically while the vehicle proceeds to the inspection booth.
• Stop at the inspection booth, and be prepared to present documents for all travelers in the vehicle to the CBP officer.
“The priority lane complements Michigan’s enhanced driver’s license by adding another element of convenience for travelers,” said Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land, who secured federal approval of the state’s enhanced license program.
“As the enhanced license becomes even more popular, I applaud U.S. Customs and Border Protection for exploring ways to efficiently accommodate motorists who enjoy its advantages. Our state and federal partnership is responding to the needs of travelers while ensuring the security of Michigan and America.”
RFID-Enabled Documents Get Special Lane During Program
U.S. Customs and Border Protection today announced a pilot program at the Ambassador Bridge for travelers with approved Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology-enabled travel documents. The pilot program will start Monday, June 28, and last for 90 days.
CBP will dedicate lane 13, or the “Ready Lane,” for travelers entering the U.S. with a WHTI-compliant, RFID-enabled document. These documents include:
• U.S. Passport card
• Enhanced Driver’s License or Enhanced Identification card
• Trusted Traveler card, such as NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST
• New Permanent Resident card or a new Border Crossing card
“Since the implementation of WHTI in June 2009, travelers have been required to present secure travel documents that denote citizenship and identity when entering the U.S. at land ports,” said Acting Director Field Operations Roderick Blanchard. “The use of RFID technology in these documents enables CBP to further facilitate legitimate travelers as they cross the border into the U.S. This pilot program will help us determine the efficiency and effectiveness of a dedicated RFID lane for those travelers.”
During the pilot program, the “Ready Lane” will be open from 6 to 10 a.m., seven days a week. CBP will monitor the success of the lane and expand the hours of operation as needed to meet the demand for usage.
In order to use this dedicated lane, all adult passengers over the age of 16, must present one of the approved travel documents.
Travelers using the “Ready Lane” are reminded the three simple steps to follow as they approach a U.S. land port of entry with their RFID-enabled travel card:
• Stop at the entry to the inspection lane and wait for a signal to move forward.
• Each passenger removes his or her travel card from its protective sleeve and holds it up, with the flat front face of the card toward a window on the driver’s side. The RFID-enabled cards will be read automatically while the vehicle proceeds to the inspection booth.
• Stop at the inspection booth, and be prepared to present documents for all travelers in the vehicle to the CBP officer.
“The priority lane complements Michigan’s enhanced driver’s license by adding another element of convenience for travelers,” said Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land, who secured federal approval of the state’s enhanced license program.
“As the enhanced license becomes even more popular, I applaud U.S. Customs and Border Protection for exploring ways to efficiently accommodate motorists who enjoy its advantages. Our state and federal partnership is responding to the needs of travelers while ensuring the security of Michigan and America.”
Friday, May 21, 2010
Ways and Means Members Upbeat About Customs Changes
(Journal of Commerce Online – R.G.Edmonson)
Leaders of the House Ways and Means trade subcommittee were upbeat Thursday afternoon about redirecting Customs and Border Protection’s focus to facilitating trade and collecting revenue after a hearing in which government officials and members of the trade community presented a range of ideas to match the movement of commerce to security needs.
Acting Subcommittee Chairman John D. Tanner, D-Tenn., and ranking member Kevn Brady, R-Texas, told trade witnesses the hearing was a good first step toward a Customs reauthorization bill that they expect to introduce before the end of the year.
Tanner and Brady said Customs’ efforts in supply chain security since the September 2001 terrorist attacks had moved resources away from the agency’s revenue functions that are part of Ways and Means oversight activities.
Tanner laid out particular areas that he plans the reauthorization bill to address. They included Customs’ failure to consult with the committee before taking significant policy steps. In the past two years Customs has proposed changes in the “first sale” rule for valuation, and country of origin labeling, only to backpedal when Congress objected.
The future of the Automated Commercial Environment and the International Trade Data System, Customs organization, trade facilitation and security, and new ways that Customs can regulate trade without impairing the flow of goods. Read more here.
Leaders of the House Ways and Means trade subcommittee were upbeat Thursday afternoon about redirecting Customs and Border Protection’s focus to facilitating trade and collecting revenue after a hearing in which government officials and members of the trade community presented a range of ideas to match the movement of commerce to security needs.
Acting Subcommittee Chairman John D. Tanner, D-Tenn., and ranking member Kevn Brady, R-Texas, told trade witnesses the hearing was a good first step toward a Customs reauthorization bill that they expect to introduce before the end of the year.
Tanner and Brady said Customs’ efforts in supply chain security since the September 2001 terrorist attacks had moved resources away from the agency’s revenue functions that are part of Ways and Means oversight activities.
Tanner laid out particular areas that he plans the reauthorization bill to address. They included Customs’ failure to consult with the committee before taking significant policy steps. In the past two years Customs has proposed changes in the “first sale” rule for valuation, and country of origin labeling, only to backpedal when Congress objected.
The future of the Automated Commercial Environment and the International Trade Data System, Customs organization, trade facilitation and security, and new ways that Customs can regulate trade without impairing the flow of goods. Read more here.
Monday, May 17, 2010
New Customs Commissioner Speaks on Trade Facilitation, Transparency
(World Trade Interactive)
In a May 13 confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee, Customs Commissioner Alan Bersin said he will work to further facilitate legitimate international trade and improve consultations with public and private stakeholders. Bersin was recess appointed by President Obama in March, meaning that unless he is confirmed by the Senate he will be required to step down as commissioner at the end of 2011.
Bersin said he supports U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s post-9/11 missions of guarding U.S. borders against “dangerous people and dangerous things” while making it easier for legitimate trade and travel to enter and exit the country. While he called homeland security CBP’s “first responsibility,” he also recognized trade community concerns that CBP has not given sufficient priority to its trade facilitation mission. In response, he expressed his intent to “focus on expediting secure trade and travel so that commerce flows faster, the cost of doing business diminishes, our country remains competitive in an era of economic globalization, and our economic recovery is sustainable over the long run.”
Bersin also discussed longstanding concerns regarding “the cumulative cost of government decisions on the trade community, and the lack of consultation and transparency in [CBP’s] decision making process.” Having asked the trade community to “assume its fair share of the burden” by exercising reasonable care, providing more transaction-related information and investing in the resources necessary to keep up with current requirements, he said, CBP in turn should “strive continually to provide an environment built upon predictability, transparency, and uniformity in the importing process.” In addition, the agency needs to “weigh the cumulative costs of our decisions on business and, when possible, provide for simplified commercial processing.”
Read more here.
In a May 13 confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee, Customs Commissioner Alan Bersin said he will work to further facilitate legitimate international trade and improve consultations with public and private stakeholders. Bersin was recess appointed by President Obama in March, meaning that unless he is confirmed by the Senate he will be required to step down as commissioner at the end of 2011.
Bersin said he supports U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s post-9/11 missions of guarding U.S. borders against “dangerous people and dangerous things” while making it easier for legitimate trade and travel to enter and exit the country. While he called homeland security CBP’s “first responsibility,” he also recognized trade community concerns that CBP has not given sufficient priority to its trade facilitation mission. In response, he expressed his intent to “focus on expediting secure trade and travel so that commerce flows faster, the cost of doing business diminishes, our country remains competitive in an era of economic globalization, and our economic recovery is sustainable over the long run.”
Bersin also discussed longstanding concerns regarding “the cumulative cost of government decisions on the trade community, and the lack of consultation and transparency in [CBP’s] decision making process.” Having asked the trade community to “assume its fair share of the burden” by exercising reasonable care, providing more transaction-related information and investing in the resources necessary to keep up with current requirements, he said, CBP in turn should “strive continually to provide an environment built upon predictability, transparency, and uniformity in the importing process.” In addition, the agency needs to “weigh the cumulative costs of our decisions on business and, when possible, provide for simplified commercial processing.”
Read more here.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Vancouver Bomb Threat: Al Qaeda Terror Link or Pure Hoax?
(Video: Associated Press • Story: Christian Science Monitor)
A Vancouver bomb threat on a Cathay Pacific flight from Hong Kong caused Canadian officials to send fighter jets to escort the plane to the airport Saturday.
Following a bomb threat on a Cathay Pacific flight en route to Vancouver from Hong Kong, Canadian officials sent fighter jets to escort the plane to the airport. Once grounded at the Vancouver International Airport police conducted a thorough search of the plane and its luggage, but found no trace of explosives.
The Vancouver bomb threat comes as yet another scare in a series of foiled or failed terror attacks.
Following the attempted Times Square bombing and the failed Christmas day bombing on a Detroit-bound flight, it remains uncertain if this latest attempt will result in increased security measures.
The plane landed safely on Saturday with 283 passengers and 14 crew members in good condition. Once on the ground, the passengers spent 2 hours in customs before leaving without their baggage.
Cathay Pacific has termed the bomb scare a "hoax," but officials are still looking into the matter. Read more here.
A Vancouver bomb threat on a Cathay Pacific flight from Hong Kong caused Canadian officials to send fighter jets to escort the plane to the airport Saturday.
Following a bomb threat on a Cathay Pacific flight en route to Vancouver from Hong Kong, Canadian officials sent fighter jets to escort the plane to the airport. Once grounded at the Vancouver International Airport police conducted a thorough search of the plane and its luggage, but found no trace of explosives.
The Vancouver bomb threat comes as yet another scare in a series of foiled or failed terror attacks.
Following the attempted Times Square bombing and the failed Christmas day bombing on a Detroit-bound flight, it remains uncertain if this latest attempt will result in increased security measures.
The plane landed safely on Saturday with 283 passengers and 14 crew members in good condition. Once on the ground, the passengers spent 2 hours in customs before leaving without their baggage.
Cathay Pacific has termed the bomb scare a "hoax," but officials are still looking into the matter. Read more here.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Canada, U.S. Need Unified Border Security Strategy: Fraser Institute
(Montreal Gazette – Eric Lam, Financial Post)
While relations between Canada and the United States have been strained in recent years, it is in the best interests of both countries to set aside their differences and come up with a unified strategy on border security, the Fraser Institute said Thursday. Alexander Moens, a researcher with the Fraser Institute, warned in a report that a variety of factors including protectionism, border security concerns, and environmental issues have all restricted trade growth between the two countries since 9/11.
"Gaining unimpeded access to the U.S. market for Canadian exports and imports remains Canada's top economic interest," Mr. Moens said in the report. "A security deal between the two countries would make Americans more receptive to increased trade, investment, and tourism in Canada."
On Tuesday, Statistics Canada reported that for the first time, countries other than the United States accounted for a quarter of Canada's exports in 2009. Trade with the United States (exports and imports) accounted for only 63% of Canada's totals last year, compared with 71.1% in 2005. By contrast, exports to China have grown 55% in the past five years.
Read more here and/or the Fraser Institute press release (with links to the report itself) here.
While relations between Canada and the United States have been strained in recent years, it is in the best interests of both countries to set aside their differences and come up with a unified strategy on border security, the Fraser Institute said Thursday. Alexander Moens, a researcher with the Fraser Institute, warned in a report that a variety of factors including protectionism, border security concerns, and environmental issues have all restricted trade growth between the two countries since 9/11.
"Gaining unimpeded access to the U.S. market for Canadian exports and imports remains Canada's top economic interest," Mr. Moens said in the report. "A security deal between the two countries would make Americans more receptive to increased trade, investment, and tourism in Canada."
On Tuesday, Statistics Canada reported that for the first time, countries other than the United States accounted for a quarter of Canada's exports in 2009. Trade with the United States (exports and imports) accounted for only 63% of Canada's totals last year, compared with 71.1% in 2005. By contrast, exports to China have grown 55% in the past five years.
Read more here and/or the Fraser Institute press release (with links to the report itself) here.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
CBP Opens Intelligence and Operations Coordination Center
(CBP)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection opened a new facility to help enhance information sharing across the nearly 60,000-person organization. The new Intelligence and Operations Coordination Center will serve as the “one-stop-shop” for operations coordination and information sharing across the operational entities within the agency, including Field Operations, Border Patrol and Air and Marine. A formal ribbon-cutting event with local officials was held to officially open this first-of-its-kind facility.
“CBP has evolved as an agency created in the wake of 9/11. The implementation of this coordination center enables CBP to transform into a more intelligence-driven organization and ensures the continuity and sustainability of national border security,” said CBP Acting Deputy Commissioner David V. Aguilar. “This team, working with our state and local partners, will play a vital role in protecting our country and our way of life.”
One of Customs and Border Protection’s primary goals it to become a more intelligence-driven organization and the IOCC will help provide more real-time insight to local decision-makers and frontline officers and agents. The IOCC establishes a centralized location for CBP field leadership to plan and coordinate joint operations and share intelligence with CBP operational components and law enforcement and intelligence partners.
The IOCC also has the capability to serve as a principal or supplemental incident management center during natural disasters or other critical incidents in support of our Federal, State, local, and tribal partners.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection opened a new facility to help enhance information sharing across the nearly 60,000-person organization. The new Intelligence and Operations Coordination Center will serve as the “one-stop-shop” for operations coordination and information sharing across the operational entities within the agency, including Field Operations, Border Patrol and Air and Marine. A formal ribbon-cutting event with local officials was held to officially open this first-of-its-kind facility.
“CBP has evolved as an agency created in the wake of 9/11. The implementation of this coordination center enables CBP to transform into a more intelligence-driven organization and ensures the continuity and sustainability of national border security,” said CBP Acting Deputy Commissioner David V. Aguilar. “This team, working with our state and local partners, will play a vital role in protecting our country and our way of life.”
One of Customs and Border Protection’s primary goals it to become a more intelligence-driven organization and the IOCC will help provide more real-time insight to local decision-makers and frontline officers and agents. The IOCC establishes a centralized location for CBP field leadership to plan and coordinate joint operations and share intelligence with CBP operational components and law enforcement and intelligence partners.
The IOCC also has the capability to serve as a principal or supplemental incident management center during natural disasters or other critical incidents in support of our Federal, State, local, and tribal partners.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Hillary Clinton on Border Security with Canada
(U.S. Government – Department of State)
Excerpt from interview on CTV’s “Power Play with Tom Clark”
QUESTION: And if we can figure it out in the Arctic, can we expand that and talk about the continent? You know that for many years there was a discussion of perhaps customs union between Canada and the United States as a way of thinning the border, because all that’s happened is that the border, as you know, has gotten thicker and thicker. Can you foresee the day when you might – your country may look at the idea of a customs union as a way of perimeter security for North America, as opposed to fortress America?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, we’re not looking at that right now. There are those who are writing about it and suggesting it. But I think your larger point is very important. This is the longest, most peaceful border in the world. We are each other’s biggest trading partner. We have an enormous investment in the economic well-being of the other on the side of the border. And my goal as Secretary of State is to begin to clear away any obstacle or misunderstanding.
Now, in an economic downturn such as the world has gone through over the past two years, people get a little bit nervous and become somewhat anxious about their own futures. But we’ve worked through some of the difficult issues already this past year. And I just want to keep teeing them up. Now, we’re not going to make agreements on everything right away, but we are such close allies, we are such good friends, your country has more American citizens living in it than in any other country other than our own. So there’s just so much that connects us, and I want to broaden and deepen our relationship to make sure that we always remain as strong and partnered as we can be in looking toward the future.
Read the complete transcript here.
Excerpt from interview on CTV’s “Power Play with Tom Clark”
QUESTION: And if we can figure it out in the Arctic, can we expand that and talk about the continent? You know that for many years there was a discussion of perhaps customs union between Canada and the United States as a way of thinning the border, because all that’s happened is that the border, as you know, has gotten thicker and thicker. Can you foresee the day when you might – your country may look at the idea of a customs union as a way of perimeter security for North America, as opposed to fortress America?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, we’re not looking at that right now. There are those who are writing about it and suggesting it. But I think your larger point is very important. This is the longest, most peaceful border in the world. We are each other’s biggest trading partner. We have an enormous investment in the economic well-being of the other on the side of the border. And my goal as Secretary of State is to begin to clear away any obstacle or misunderstanding.
Now, in an economic downturn such as the world has gone through over the past two years, people get a little bit nervous and become somewhat anxious about their own futures. But we’ve worked through some of the difficult issues already this past year. And I just want to keep teeing them up. Now, we’re not going to make agreements on everything right away, but we are such close allies, we are such good friends, your country has more American citizens living in it than in any other country other than our own. So there’s just so much that connects us, and I want to broaden and deepen our relationship to make sure that we always remain as strong and partnered as we can be in looking toward the future.
Read the complete transcript here.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Information on Mutual Recognition of Supply Chain Security Programs
(World Trade Interactive)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has recently posted to its Web site information on mutual recognition of supply chain security programs with foreign countries. Highlights of this information include the following.
Mutual Recognition Explained: “The essential concept” of mutual recognition is that the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism and the counterpart foreign program “are compatible in both theory and practice so that one program may recognize the validation findings of the other program.” Through mutual recognition, “international industry partnership programs are linked so that together they create a unified and sustainable security posture that can assist in securing and facilitating global cargo trade. It means end to end supply chain security based on program membership.”
Customs Compliance Not Included: Mutual recognition is only based on security and does not address customs compliance issues. As a result, mutual recognition does not exempt any partner, whether domestic or foreign, from complying with other CBP-mandated requirements (e.g., the importer security filing rule), nor does it replace any of CBP’s cargo enforcement strategies.
Pre-requisites: Before CBP engages a foreign customs administration toward mutual recognition, the foreign partner must have a full-fledged operational program in place (not a program in development or a pilot program) and that program must have a strong validation process and a strong security component built in. CBP also takes into account the risk associated with the supply lines originating in that country.
Read the complete article here.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has recently posted to its Web site information on mutual recognition of supply chain security programs with foreign countries. Highlights of this information include the following.
Mutual Recognition Explained: “The essential concept” of mutual recognition is that the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism and the counterpart foreign program “are compatible in both theory and practice so that one program may recognize the validation findings of the other program.” Through mutual recognition, “international industry partnership programs are linked so that together they create a unified and sustainable security posture that can assist in securing and facilitating global cargo trade. It means end to end supply chain security based on program membership.”
Customs Compliance Not Included: Mutual recognition is only based on security and does not address customs compliance issues. As a result, mutual recognition does not exempt any partner, whether domestic or foreign, from complying with other CBP-mandated requirements (e.g., the importer security filing rule), nor does it replace any of CBP’s cargo enforcement strategies.
Pre-requisites: Before CBP engages a foreign customs administration toward mutual recognition, the foreign partner must have a full-fledged operational program in place (not a program in development or a pilot program) and that program must have a strong validation process and a strong security component built in. CBP also takes into account the risk associated with the supply lines originating in that country.
Read the complete article here.
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