CUSTOMS ISSUES FISCAL 2000 PERFORMANCE “SCORECARD”

CUSTOMS ISSUES FISCAL 2000 PERFORMANCE “SCORECARD”

CUSTOMS ISSUES FISCAL 2000 PERFORMANCE “SCORECARD”

   U.S. Customs said it continues to meet increases in trade volume and rising public demand to crack down on the illegal drug trade, while faced with a “relatively static” budget.
   The agency outlined its fiscal 2000 performance in its annual “scorecard” to Congress. Federal agencies are required to produce accountability reports of their management controls and financial management systems under the Federal Managers’ Financial Integrity Act and Chief Financial Officers Act.
   In fiscal 2000, ending Sept. 30, Customs processed 23.4 million trade entries (valued at $1.17 trillion), an increase of 2 million over the previous year. The agency seized about 1.5 million pounds of illegal drugs last year, in addition to increased seizures of products resulting from intellectual property violations. Customs has increased its work in stopping “cybersmuggling” and on-line child pornography.
   Customs touted its efforts to get the development of its future computer system, the Automated Commercial Environment, started with the first installment of funding, $130 million for fiscal 2001. The agency also restructured its compliance assessment programs of the shipping industry “to allow for greater flexibility and faster processing of law-abiding importers,” along with increased outreach to the trade.
   However, the agency still suffers from “inadequate” financial management systems; lack of controls over its in-bond program; and problems with its outbound air manifest process. Customs said these problems are currently under review.
   “A spiraling volume of trade and new avenues for criminal activity will continue to test our abilities as never before,” said Charles W. Winwood, acting commissioner of Customs, in a statement regarding the overview. “But I believe we have laid the groundwork for continued success with a vibrant program of innovation and change that has permeated all levels of the
organization.”
   The complete Customs Fiscal 2000 Accountability Report is accessible
online at https://www.customs.gov.