New Customs Commissioner Wants More Information, Promises More Benefits

(World Trade Interactive)

Judging by his remarks in various settings in recent weeks, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Alan Bersin is working to make CBP a better partner with the trade community. Like his predecessors, Bersin has maintained that CBP’s primary role is guarding U.S. borders against dangerous goods and people. However, he has placed more emphasis on the need to reward traders who participate in security-related initiatives with tangible benefits that help expedite their shipments across U.S. borders. He has also stressed the importance of better coordination and cooperation between CBP and the private sector.

“CBP has made tremendous progress with our security mission, and now is the time for us to take those abilities and apply risk segmentation strategies, which will allow us to move low-risk trade and travel across our borders more efficiently, expeditiously and securely,” Bersin said at a May 20 hearing before the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee. “Risk management and advance targeting approaches enhance CBP’s ability to identify and expedite trade, and expanding partnerships with the trade community is vital to this facilitation effort.” Read more here.