USCIB Asks CBP for 18 C-TPAT Benefits, Air Cargo Security Changes
On March 15, 2011, U.S. Council for International Business members and staff met with U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Alan Bersin and his senior staff as part of Bersin's Trade Day Agenda, to share USCIB's priority recommendations, including a list of 18 potential C-TPAT benefits.
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Encouraged CBP to Strengthen C-TPAT
USCIB encouraged CBP to strengthen the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program, to focus its core benefits on the pre-trade and post-trade events of the supply chain, and to develop substantial commercial benefits for Tier 2 and Tier 3 C-TPAT participants.
Provided Bersin with Provisional List of 18 Potential C-TPAT Benefits
USCIB also provided Bersin a provisional list of eighteen benefits envisioned for C-TPAT participants, and urged CBP to ensure that benefits of mutual recognition programs are realized by business as well as customs authorities.
Wants Implementation of Commercially Acceptable Air Cargo Security Program
Another key priority for USCIB is the implementation of a commercially acceptable air cargo security program, in which CBP and the Transportation Security Administration work together to support the creation of a security regime that simultaneously accounts for operational realities faced by importers and air carriers while protecting national security.
Commissioner Bersin agreed to study the air cargo security pilot programs currently underway to determine how they are impacting importers, and assured USCIB that CBP would work with TSA and business to implement a practical program.
(The USCIB group also had the opportunity to thank CBP for positive steps the agency has taken toward increasing the current values for de minimis and informal entry shipments, and for the strong relationship CBP has maintained with ATA Carnet. Other issues discussed at the meeting included funding for the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) program, interdiction of counterfeit medicines and general enforcement of intellectual property rights.)