WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has signed an agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to advance information-sharing among the federal agencies to improve targeting of imports for health and safety violations. NHTSA, the nation's chief automotive safety agency, is the eighth federal partner to join CBP's Import Safety Commercial Targeting and Analysis Center (CTAC), a multi-agency center for targeting commercial shipments that pose potential threats to health and safety.
"U.S. consumers rightfully expect the millions of vehicles operating on our roadways to meet federal safety standards-whether they are produced entirely on American soil or use parts or products manufactured elsewhere," said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. "By partnering with CBP and other agencies to identify illegal or non-compliant shipments, we can better ensure public safety while leveling the playing field for companies that follow the law."
In keeping with its mission to reduce deaths, injuries and economic losses resulting from motor vehicle crashes, NHTSA establishes and enforces safety performance standards for both vehicles and vehicle equipment. In addition, the agency supports local highway safety programs through grants and other resources for state and local governments.
"By working together to determine which shipments are high-risk, the CTAC helps the government better protect consumers," said Allen Gina, Assistant Commissioner for CBP's Office of International Trade. "At the same time, the CTAC helps eliminate unnecessary examinations and facilitates low-risk shipments, so everyone benefits."
The addition of NHTSA brings the total number of agencies that are part of the CTAC to eight. These agencies-each with their own statutory responsibilities for public safety-will work as a team to better target imports that should be examined for possible safety violations.
For additional information on the Import Safety and CTAC, please visit the CBP.gov website.