24 June 2005
United States Commits to Global Strategy for Protecting Cargo
Customs commissioner pledges technical assistance to developing countries
The United States has committed to adopt a new strategy by the World Custom Organization (WCO) to protect cargo moving through ports around the world against terrorism and crime.
In a June 24 press release, the U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said Commissioner Robert Bonner submitted the document affirming U.S. commitment to implement the WCO standards framework -- just one day after its adoption by the WCO Council meeting in Brussels, Belgium.
Bonner also reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to cooperate with other developed countries to provide technical assistance to developing countries for adopting the standards framework.
In December 2004, the WCO endorsed the draft framework based on four principles: harmonized advance electronic manifest information on cross-border shipments, a risk-management approach to inspections, application of modern technology, and customs privileges for businesses that meet minimal supply-chain security standards.
"The adoption by the WCO of the Framework of Standards represents a global response to the threat of terrorism. The Framework makes safer, worldwide trade a reality," Bonner said. "Its implementation by customs authorities around the world will revolutionize the security of trade, dealing a blow to international terrorists."
The WCO Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade draws on the experience of existing national or regional initiatives such as the U.S. Container Security Initiative and the U.S. Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism.
The full text (PDF, 49 pages) of the framework is available on the Customs and Border Protection Web site.
Following is the text of the press release:
(begin text)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Making Secure Worldwide Trade a Reality
United States Joins New WCO Framework of Standards
06/24/2005
BRUSSELS -- United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Robert C. Bonner submitted the United States' "Declaration of Intent" to adopt the World Customs Organization (WCO) "Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade." Yesterday the United States was among the first nations to join the WCO's newly adopted strategy to secure global trade.
The WCO consists of 166 member nations, representing 99 percent of global trade. The Framework represents the WCO’s effort to secure supply chains throughout the world, while allowing trade to move faster, smoother, and more predictably. For the first time in history, a common set of standards will be implemented to secure cargo moving into, through, and from all ports of the world. It is a global response to terrorists, organized criminals, smugglers, as well as other illegal activities.
"The adoption by the WCO of the Framework of Standards represents a global response to the threat of terrorism. The Framework makes safer, worldwide trade a reality," Commissioner Bonner stated. "Its implementation by customs authorities around the world will revolutionize the security of trade, dealing a blow to international terrorists."
"Through efforts such as the Container Security Initiative, Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, and the 24-Hour Rule, CBP has taken unprecedented actions to secure America’s borders. Trade security must also be international in scope, and I applaud the WCO’s leadership in pursuing this global strategy," Commissioner Bonner said.
Commissioner Bonner joined the Customs Director Generals of the European Union, Japan, Australia, and Canada in announcing their commitment to provide aid to the developing nations who exhibit the political will to implement the security Framework but require assistance to do so. Bonner also announced the creation of the Capacity Building Division within the CBP Office of International Affairs to help developing nations implement the Framework of security standards. This new CBP office will work closely with the Directorate for Capacity Building at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.
"Nations who exhibit a true will to purchase screening technology and implement minimum security measures will need –- and deserve -– assistance," Bonner said. "Implementing these standards will improve the flow of trade for these smaller, developing nations thereby expanding their economies and improving the quality of life."
(end text)
(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
