U.S. Customs, Commerce finalize deal to share export data with Mexico

U.S. Customs, Commerce finalize deal to share export data with Mexico    U.S. Customs and Border Protection said it signed an agreement allowing it to receive export data from the Census Bureau for the purpose of helping Mexico control smuggling and duty evasion.
   As reported in Shippers’ NewsWire, the Commerce Department approved Customs' data-sharing request last week, but it did not take formal affect until signed by Customs officials Wednesday.
   Customs officials stressed they will retain control of the information and only give their Mexican counterparts confirmation of an anomaly if the quantity or value of a shipment appears out of a normal range.
   “One of the most effective tools to prevent fraud and the movement of contraband south of the border is the mutual validation of information,” Customs Commissioner Robert Bonner said in a statement.