CBP to pilot account management techniques

CBP to pilot account management techniques    U.S. Customs and Border Protection said it would begin testing two concepts Nov. 1 as it studies ways to address calls from industry to manage trade compliance on an account basis rather than per shipment.
   The agency will stand up a Center for Excellence and Expertise to provide expertise and smooth the importation process for the pharmaceutical industry. The CEE is designed to help educate ports of entry to be more consistent in their implementation of policies and procedures, as well as provide technical guidance to importers of pharmaceutical products.
   CBP is also trying out a more robust version of its national account manager program that provides a point of contact for several hundred large importers. It has named Leon Hayward, assistant director of trade and cargo security in the New York City office to head a pilot Account Executive program focused on the electronics industry.
   The pilot program will test CBP's ability to deal with low-risk companies on an account basis so both parties can operate more efficiently.
   Both demonstration programs will run through the end of June, said Brenda Brockman Smith, director for trade policy and programs.
   Last week, CBP announced that it has formalized ties with nine other federal agencies to improve enforcement of, and compliance with, product safety laws for imported goods. The agencies agreed to share more information and utilize a risk management strategy to guide their decisions about shipments.
   CBP officials said they are testing out a new digital system that would allow importers to scan and transmit documents requested by border officers to verify the safety of a shipment. ' Eric Kulisch