U.S. CUSTOMS INTRODUCES TRADE PARTNERSHIPS AGAINST TERRORISM

U.S. CUSTOMS INTRODUCES TRADE PARTNERSHIPS AGAINST TERRORISM    U.S. Customs has introduced a new anti-terrorism initiative, “Trade Partnerships Against Terrorism,” to engage the trade community in a cooperative relationship with Customs in the war against terrorism.
   Under the TPAT initiative, Customs will work with foreign manufacturers, exporters, carriers, importers and other industry sectors to emphasize a security-conscious environment throughout the entire commercial process. By providing a forum in which the business community and Customs can exchange anti-terrorism ideas, concepts and information, Customs intends for the government and the business community to increase the security of the entire commercial process from manufacture through transportation and importation to ultimate distribution.
   Importers’ benefits for fully participating in this new initiative will include: expedited processing, priority levels of service and Customs notification of compliance and/or enforcement exams. Dedicated commercial lanes for approved and active participants, along with the deployment of Non-Intrusive Inspection technology at selected ports along U.S. borders will provide for faster screening and expedited clearance.
   For its part, the business community must review their entire logistics chain and incorporate sound security principles to reduce their exposure to product and conveyance tampering. Failure to do so, Customs said, will necessitate Customs to classify the importer into an “unknown category,” resulting in higher scrutiny of cargo and conveyance, increased reviews and audits, added examinations, requests for more information, and no guarantee of processing times.
   For further information, phone the TPAT office at: (202) 927-0520.