International Operations

San Diego Border Patrol and Mexican authorities increase binational operations to combat human smuggling

michael.j.scappechio — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 17:01:17 +0000

San Diego Border Patrol and Mexican authorities increase binational operations to combat human smuggling michael.j.scappechio Wed, 09/27/2023 - 13:01

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SAN DIEGO — Acknowledging the continued need for a united front against transnational criminal organizations, the San Diego Border Patrol and its Mexican counterparts have intensified binational collaboration to address the issue of increased human smuggling throughout the San Diego/Tijuana border region.

The San Diego Sector Border Patrol, Instituto Nacional de Migracion, Guardia Nacional, and the Secretaria de La Defensa Nacional are ramping up mirrored and southside patrols along the immediate border and are dedicating additional resources toward information sharing efforts that deliver consequences to bad actors, uphold the principles of lawful immigration, and secure border communities.

These operations target smugglers who exploit vulnerable individuals seeking illegal entry into the United States, disrupt bandit activity, and assist with stemming the flow of migrants into the United States. Last week these coordinated efforts led to the arrest of two suspected cartel members in Mexico who were armed with an assault rifle near the Otay Mountain Wilderness Area.

Continued collaboration and partnership with Mexican authorities led to the arrest of two suspected cartel members and the seizure of an assault rifle and ammunition just south of the international boundary.

“Transnational criminal organizations have little regard for human life and frequently place migrants in danger along the shared U.S. / Mexico border,” stated Chief Patrol Agent Patricia D. McGurk-Daniel. “This collaboration with our Mexican counterparts signifies our mutual commitment to addressing the grave challenges posed by criminal organizations involved in human smuggling. Together, we are working tirelessly to dismantle their operations and keep people out of their dangerous grasp.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the comprehensive management, control, and protection of our nation’s borders, combining customs, immigration, border security, and agricultural protection at and between official ports of entry.

Release Date

Wed, 09/27/2023

San Diego, CA

CBP, Cabo Verde sign Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement

rlawson — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 23:01:00 +0000

CBP, Cabo Verde sign Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement rlawson Tue, 09/26/2023 - 19:01

Agreement enhances trade facilitation and security cooperation.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Customs and Border Protection signed a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA) with Cabo Verde today during the U.S.-Cabo Verde Trade Conference in Boston, Massachusetts.

CBP Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner Mark Koumans signs a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement with Cabo Verde Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Luis Livramento during the U.S.-Cabo Verde Trade Conference today in Boston, Massachusetts.

“This agreement further strengthens our border security and trade facilitation partnership with the nation of Cabo Verde,” said CBP’s Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner Troy A. Miller. “Through this partnership, we will enhance our mutual goals of securing the supply chain while promoting the movement of legitimate trade.”

Once entered into force, the CMAA will allow the United States and Cabo Verde to exchange information, thus strengthening the collaboration between the two countries. This CMAA reflects CBP’s commitment to a continued relationship and collaboration with Cabo Verde’s custom authorities on a wide range of issues, including securing the countries’ borders against terrorists, combating drug traffickers, and disrupting the operations of transnational criminal organizations.

CMAAs are bilateral agreements between the United States and its international partners that are enforced by their respective customs administrations. They provide the legal framework for the exchange of information and evidence to assist countries in the enforcement of customs laws, including duty evasion, trafficking, proliferation, money laundering and terrorism-related activities. CBP and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement are the implementing agencies for the United States.

Release Date

Tue, 09/26/2023

CBP Returns Historical Indigenous Artifacts to Costa Rica

ssapp — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 18:02:53 +0000

CBP Returns Historical Indigenous Artifacts to Costa Rica ssapp Fri, 09/15/2023 - 14:02

MIAMI — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) returned three historic artifacts on Thursday from the Caribbean Archaeological Subregion that were seized from a passenger that arrived at the Orlando International Airport without documentation permitting him to lawfully remove them from the Republic of Costa Rica (Costa Rica).

In December 2017, a U.S. lawful permanent resident from Deltona, Florida, arrived at Orlando International Airport from San Jose, Costa Rica. After being referred to secondary inspection, CBP agricultural specialists suspected that the individual might be transporting protected artifacts.

Specialists of the National Museum of Costa Rica described the artifacts as follows: the first one is a tripod pot, which is missing its three 3 supports and it is decorated in some areas with red clay, combined with the natural color of the paste and decorations modeled in zoomorphic shapes. The second one is a hollow support, known as a rattle, with a zoomorphic motif (mammal head). The third is a fragment of decoration that was supported by a vase with high supports. According to archeological research, the objects were used for funerary or domestic contexts in the period established between 300 B.C. and 880 A.D.

CBP notified Costa Rica which filed a petition for their return stating the artifacts were stolen and are owned by the people of Costa Rica pursuant to its cultural patrimony laws. CBP granted Costa Rica’s petition.

Ludmilla Ugalde (seated), Costa Rica Consul General, signs documents to accept her nation’s cultural artifacts from John Rico, CBP’s Asst. Director of Border Security for the Miami and Tampa Field Office during a repatriation ceremony in Miami.

On September 14, 2023, the Honorable Ludmila Patricia Ugalde Simionova, Consul General of Costa Rica in Miami, received these artifacts that will now be returned to Costa Rica to continue to tell the story of the First Costa Ricans for ages to come.

“Today, we celebrate the return of Costa Rican cultural heritage to the Costa Rican people, and reaffirm our commitment to reducing the illicit trafficking of art and antiquities,” said Robert Del Toro, Acting Director, Field Operations, Miami and Tampa Field Office.

“CBP plays a significant role in protecting global history by combatting cultural property smuggling,” he continued. “The global black market in antiquities is estimated to be a multibillion-dollar illicit industry. While a monetary value may be placed on these items, the repatriation of cultural property is truly priceless. I am so proud of our employees for their work in discovering these three historic artifacts and ensuring their return to Costa Rica.”

“I wish to underscore the successful efforts made by both Costa Rica and the United States in the repatriation of archaeological objects in recent years. Our cultural heritage holds immeasurable value, serving as a testament to our rich history and identity. Unfortunately, looting and illicit trade of antiquities have endangered our precious artifacts. Through joint initiatives and bilateral agreements, we have been able to recover and repatriate many stolen cultural treasures,” said Ludmila Patricia Ugalde Simionova, Consul General, Consulate of Costa Rica in Miami.

A red terra cotta clay crocodile head dated circa 1000-1500 C.E. It is believed that the head was part of a bowl and used either as a spout or as a bowl leg.

Most countries have laws that protect their cultural property. Art/artifacts/antiquities; archeological and ethnological material are terms used to describe these treasures. These laws include export controls and/ or national ownership of cultural property.

Even if purchased from a business in the country of origin or in another country, legal ownership of such artifacts may be questioned if they are brought into the United States.

The most recent achievement of the excellent relationship between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Costa Rica has been the signing in January 2021 of the "Memorandum of Understanding on the Imposition of Restrictions on the Importation of Archaeological Material." This document seeks to protect specific categories of artifacts. If they are encountered without proper authorization, the United States will repatriate the artifacts to Costa Rica.

CBP officers screen international travelers and cargo and search for illicit narcotics, unreported currency, protected cultural property, weapons, counterfeit consumer goods, prohibited agriculture, and other illicit products that could potentially harm the American public, U.S. businesses, and our nation’s safety and economic vitality. Learn more about CBP at www.CBP.gov.

Release Date

Fri, 09/15/2023

Dulles CBP Officer Leads Effort to Return Fleeing Maryland Rape Suspect from El Salvador

ssapp — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 18:26:11 +0000

Dulles CBP Officer Leads Effort to Return Fleeing Maryland Rape Suspect from El Salvador ssapp Thu, 08/17/2023 - 14:26

Second recent local rape suspect that CBP officers caught attempting to flee justice

STERLING, Va. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers arrested a Prince George’s County, Md., rape suspect at Washington Dulles International Airport on Wednesday after a CBP officer realized the subject fled the United States on an earlier flight Wednesday.

While vetting passengers on departing international flights, a CBP officer was alerted to the presence of William Alfredo Ramirez Ramirez, a 35-year-old Honduras citizen and U.S. lawful permanent, traveling aboard a morning flight to Honduras through El Salvador.

Ramirez Ramirez was wanted by Prince George’s County on a full-extradition warrant for first degree rape. That warrant was filed late on Tuesday.

The CBP officer immediately contacted CBP’s National Targeting Center in Virginia and CBP’s Joint Security Program officers in El Salvador and coordinated the capture and return of Ramirez Ramirez as soon as he landed in El Salvador.

Ramirez Ramirez was placed on an immediate return flight to Washington Dulles International Airport where he was met by CBP officers about 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

CBP turned Ramirez Ramirez over to Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police.

Criminal charges are merely allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

“This alleged rape suspect thought he could quietly escape justice; however, a quick-thinking Customs and Border Protection officer, with assistance from CBP National Targeting Center officers at home and CBP Joint Security Program officers with our foreign partners in El Salvador, quickly captured and returned this fugitive to justice in the United States,” said Christine Waugh, CBP’s Acting Area Port Director at the Area Port of Washington, D.C. ”CBP’s border security mission allows us to help our law enforcement partners to ensure that victims have a voice and that fugitives will have their day in court.”

In July, a CBP officer's efforts led to the capture a 70-year-old man as he landed in Lima, Peru. This subject was wanted by Stafford County, Va., Sheriff’s Office on 12 counts of aggravated sexual acts against a 10-year-old child.

CBP often works with its interagency law enforcement partners to apprehend dangerous fugitives. On a typical day last year, CBP processed an average of nearly 900,000 arriving travelers every day at our nation’s airports, seaports, and land border crossings, and arrested an average of 41 wanted persons.

CBP's border security mission is led at our nation’s Ports of Entry by CBP officers and agriculture specialists from the Office of Field Operations. CBP screens international travelers and cargo and searches for illicit narcotics, unreported currency, weapons, counterfeit consumer goods, prohibited agriculture, invasive weeds and pests, and other illicit products that could potentially harm the American public, U.S. businesses, and our nation’s safety and economic vitality.

See what CBP accomplished during "A Typical Day" in 2022. Learn more at www.CBP.gov.

Follow the Director of CBP’s Baltimore Field Office on Twitter at @DFOBaltimore for breaking news, current events, human interest stories and photos, and CBP’s Office of Field Operations on Instagram at cbpfieldops.

Release Date

Thu, 08/17/2023

Technology Meets Afghanistan Challenges

jonathan.d.isett — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 19:45:51 +0000

Technology Meets Afghanistan Challenges jonathan.d.isett Wed, 01/04/2023 - 14:45

On Aug. 14, 2021, the Taliban took control of the city of Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan. Shortly thereafter, President Joe Biden announced the U.S. would be evacuating over 100,000 people from Afghanistan. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), alongside other federal agencies, responded to the rapid withdrawal from Afghanistan and mobilized a comprehensive campaign called Operation Allies Welcome. CBP was asked to support OAW by providing personnel and technology to aid in processing evacuees.

This image includes all partners for Operation Allies Welcome to include across CBP, DHS, the federal government, and partners

Office of Information and Technology (OIT) personnel deployed across the U.S. to provide around-the-clock support at processing centers, airports and to international sites over the span of seven months, partnering with CBP officers and staff from the Department of Defense, the State Department, the Transportation Security Administration, and the FBI. More than 650 pieces of equipment and over 200 OIT personnel participated in this effort.

“Our team was overjoyed to support. The entire effort is really an investment in the America of tomorrow,” said OIT Deputy Assistant Commissioner Dr. Ed Mays.

This image illustrates OIT employees deployed internationally in support of Operation Allies Welcome

OIT staff demonstrated unwavering dedication despite challenges that required quick adaptation of technology to meet urgent needs. International OIT staff met critical processing requirements, served as translators, and coordinated the distribution of resources for evacuees. Teams set up processing stations and configured networks and equipment to expedite the returns of evacuees as quickly as possible.

“OIT did an incredible job. You know, they had to wire a hanger to be a port of entry, and they got that done in days. I can't tell you how effective they were as part of the CBP family!” Air and Marine Operations Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner Dennis Michelini wrote in praise of OIT efforts.

This image illustrates OIT employees deployed in the U.S. to support Operation Allies Welcome

OIT continued to be instrumental in supporting the ongoing Operation Allies Welcome effort. CBP worked domestically with airport authorities, air carriers, and multiple government agency partners to set up processing facilities and centers for evacuee arrivals. OIT developed several new solutions to process evacuees from Afghanistan. These included biometric and biographic collection, targeting and vetting, data stream consolidation data and information sharing with partner agencies, and subsequent validation of vetting results using photo comparison services.

OIT developed a new process to capture all CBP biometric and biographic enrollments from locations outside of the U.S. and subsequently merge with enrollments received from partner agencies. A new process was also developed to ingest vetting results received from partners and merge with those into a central repository. Using the CBP enterprise facial matching technology, OIT was able to leverage photos from biometric enrollments to build a photo gallery of individuals who cleared the vetting process. CBP personnel were able to verify vetting results using facial matching technology and allow boarding of flights to the U.S.

OIT created a modular, interactive Operation Allies Welcome dashboard to provide statistics on passengers arriving to the U.S. Dashboard statistics provide the Department of Homeland Security and CBP management and officers in the field close to real time updates on Primary and Secondary processing of Afghanistan evacuees, unaccompanied minors, and U.S. citizens. In just three months, CBP leaders, staff, and government partners accessed the dashboard 1,650 times. OIT created numerous reports to provide enrollment and vetting status and provided critical support to help identify American citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents who were still in Afghanistan and in need of evacuation.

“In my 30+ years working in government IT systems, I have never seen such a tremendous effort by any workforce to complete a mission,” said OIT Assistant Commissioner Sanjeev “Sonny” Bhagowalia. “I have been humbled and astounded at the capabilities of the OIT personnel. This would not have been possible without their systems and application knowledge, experience and commitment, and their unwavering dedication to the CBP Mission.”

As of today, OIT continues to provide 24/7 operational coverage, making numerous improvements to software programs and mobile applications, as well as creating interoperability between government agency partners. To date, over 86,000 evacuees have been processed, helping to deliver travelers to a safe haven.

CBP signs Mutual Recognition Arrangement with Brazil

rlawson — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 14:55:19 +0000

CBP signs Mutual Recognition Arrangement with Brazil rlawson Fri, 09/16/2022 - 10:55

New security-based arrangement enhances cooperation and trade

WASHINGTON – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Brazil’s Customs Authority Receita Federal today signed an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA). This MRA builds on other agreements between CBP and the Government of Brazil and ensures coordination for each nation’s supply chain security as well as efforts in combating customs and trade offenses.

“With a broad mission that includes border security, as well as facilitating lawful trade and travel, CBP is acutely aware of the importance of engaging our international stakeholders as we did today with our close partners in Brazil,” said Troy Miller, CBP’s Deputy Commissioner.

The Government of Brazil, CBP’s Office of International Affairs (INA) and the Office of Field Operations first signed a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement in 2002 as an initial step to enhance cooperation, trade and security in areas of shared responsibility. In 2005, CBP and Brazil launched the CBP Container Security Initiative, which identifies high-risk containers, prescreens and evaluates containers before they are shipped, and uses technology to prescreen high-risk containers rapidly to not slow down the movement of trade. In 2014, CBP began working with Brazil on an AEO supply chain security program, and in 2015 signed a joint work plan to strengthen the secure trade partnership. The signing of this MRA is the next step in ensuring compatibility between each nation’s trade and security programs while advancing to the next phase of joint work.

MRAs are bilateral understandings between two Customs administrations that provide a platform for the exchange of membership information and recognize the compatibility of the respective supply chain security program.

The document, referred to as an “arrangement,” indicates that the security requirements or standards of the foreign industry partnership program, as well as its verification procedures, are the same or like those of the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) program.

The essential concept of MR is that CTPAT and the foreign Customs Administration program have established a standard set of security requirements which allows one business partnership program to recognize the validation findings of the other program which benefits both Customs Administrations and the private sector participants.

CTPAT is a voluntary public-private sector partnership program which recognizes that CBP can provide the highest level of cargo security only through close cooperation with the principle stakeholders of the international supply chain such as importers, carriers, consolidators, licensed customs brokers, and manufacturers, and by working with its international Customs counterparts to help secure the international supply chain thru MRAs.

CTPAT is committed to continue to work with all international stakeholders to strengthen and secure global supply chains and the further global standardization of AEO programs.

Release Date

Fri, 09/16/2022

CBP Reducing Hours of Operation for the Vanceboro, Maine Port of Entry

rbrissette — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 15:13:35 +0000

CBP Reducing Hours of Operation for the Vanceboro, Maine Port of Entry rbrissette Tue, 08/16/2022 - 11:13

CALAIS, ME – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will be reducing the hours of operations for the Vanceboro Port of Entry (POE) from 24/7 to 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. beginning on September 11, 2022.

CBP will maintain border crossings in Calais at Ferry Point and International Avenue, both of which operate 24/7 and are located approximately 32 miles south of Vanceboro. The change to operational hours comes as an attempt to better allocate resources during peak travel periods within the Calais, ME area of operations.

“CBP is constantly searching for better ways to serve the American people,” said Jennifer De La O, Boston Director of Field Operations. “By reducing Vanceboro’s hours of operation to peak travel periods, CBP will be able to redeploy those resources locally to better serve rail traffic and the Vanceboro, Maine border crossing community.”

A traffic volume study revealed that the Vanceboro POE processed approximately 89% of its traffic between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m and rail traffic was also significantly increasing in the same timeframe.

CBP’s border security mission is led at ports of entry by CBP officers from the Office of Field Operations. CBP officers screen international travelers and cargo and search for illicit narcotics, unreported currency, weapons, counterfeit consumer goods, prohibited agriculture, and other illicit products that could potentially harm the American public, U.S. businesses, and our nation’s safety and economic vitality.

Please visit CBP Ports of Entry to learn more about how CBP’s Office of Field Operations secures our nation’s borders. Learn more about CBP at www.CBP.gov.

Release Date

Tue, 08/16/2022

CBP and Customs Administrations Agree on Strengthening Supply Chain Security

jquinones — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 23:13:46 +0000

CBP and Customs Administrations Agree on Strengthening Supply Chain Security jquinones Tue, 07/19/2022 - 19:13

Diverse agreements reached with Guatemala, Colombia and Uruguay

ANAHEIM, California— Today, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) with the customs administration of Uruguay and also signed a Joint Work Plan (JWP) with the customs administrations of Guatemala and Colombia at the Trade Facilitation and Cargo Security Summit.

Commissioner Magnus with Jaime Borgiani, Director General for the Direccion Nacional de Aduanas de Uruguay.

“These agreements help us work more closely with our international partners to secure and facilitate the supply chain across the globe,” said CBP Commissioner Chris Magnus. “This gives American consumers, workers, and manufacturers confidence in the safety and availability of the products we need.”

For the event, Commissioner Magnus hosted Werner Ovalle Ramirez, Customs Director of Guatemala’s Superintendencia de Administracion Tributaria; Ingrid Diaz, Director for the Direccion de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales de Colombia; and Jaime Borgiani, Director General for the Direccion Nacional de Aduanas de Uruguay.

MRAs are bilateral understandings between two Customs Administrations providing a platform for the exchange of membership information and recognizes the compatibility of the respective supply chain security program. A JWP is a document that lays out the path towards MR between the two customs administration’s Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programs. A JWP shows commitment from both programs, requires high level support, and lays out detailed steps towards MRA. At the completion of a JWP, both customs administrations will determine if an MRA is feasible and should be pursued.

Commissioner Magnus with Ingrid Diaz, Director for the Direccion de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales de Colombia.

Commissioner Magnus and Werner Ovalle Ramirez, Customs Director of Guatemala’s Superintendencia de Administracion Tributaria.

When an entity joins CTPAT, an agreement is made to work with CBP to protect the supply chain, identify security gaps, and implement specific security measures and best practices. Applicants must address a broad range of security topics and present security profiles that list action plans to align security throughout the supply chain.

CTPAT continues international efforts with international partners to consistently provide tangible benefits while not compromising security and ensuring trade facilitation. CTPAT is committed to international cooperation and coordination to consistently strengthen and secure global supply chains and to further global standardization of AEO programs.

Release Date

Tue, 07/19/2022

International Initiatives

cassandra.m.johnson — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 15:27:43 +0000

International Initiatives cassandra.m.johnson Tue, 07/05/2022 - 11:27

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) coordinates and supports international initiatives, programs and activities with our external partners around the world. The CBP Office of International Affairs (INA) has been tasked to advance the diplomatic mission of CBP and extend the zone of U.S. border security across the globe. INA leads the international mission of CBP and acts as a force multiplier for CBP frontline operators through the sharing of information, international-partner engagement, and the promotion of CBP international initiatives.

CBP focuses on international cooperation and strengthening multi- and bi-lateral relationships to achieve international agreements and joint efforts that both facilitate and secure legitimate trade and travel.

CBP strives to protect U.S. borders from beyond by implementing programs and initiatives that promote anti-terrorism, global border security, non-proliferation, export controls, immigration and capacity building.

CBP supports a number of international organizations and is the lead agency responsible for coordinating the U.S. Government’s engagement with the World Customs Organization (WCO). At the WCO, CBP promotes the development and implementation of international customs tools, standards, and instruments that secure and facilitate lawful trade and travel. CBP also provides capacity building and technical expertise to WCO members to strengthen global supply chain security.

Initiatives

Office of International Affairs Overseas Footprint

Commissioner Magnus Shares CBP Priorities and Promotes Good Governance of WCO During First Official Visit to Europe

jquinones — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 12:48:15 +0000

Commissioner Magnus Shares CBP Priorities and Promotes Good Governance of WCO During First Official Visit to Europe jquinones Thu, 06/30/2022 - 08:48

WASHINGTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Chris Magnus reaffirmed the United States’ longstanding commitment to global customs cooperation and emphasized the need to sustain good governance in his remarks before the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council in Brussels last week. The occasion marked Magnus’ first official visit to Europe and was the first time a CBP Commissioner has addressed the world’s foremost customs body since 2015.

“Our partnership with the World Customs Organization is vital to achieving our mission of facilitating legitimate trade and travel while protecting Americans from illicit and often dangerous goods,” CBP Commissioner Magnus said. “The WCO Council is an important forum for sharing best practices with our international partners and for working together to solve challenges shared by the global customs community.”

During the WCO Council meeting, Commissioner Magnus underscored the importance of building trust and promoting transparent decision-making. He applauded the WCO for emphasizing governance and accountability in its new strategic plan while calling for greater cybersecurity and privacy protections in WCO data initiatives.

Commissioner Magnus discussed CBP’s ongoing efforts to help supply chains recover from the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic while protecting consumers from illicit trade. He called attention to the adverse effects that fragile borders have on global trade and urged the WCO to issue comprehensive guidance for customs agencies navigating state-on-state conflict.

Commissioner Magnus also emphasized CBP’s commitment to environmental stewardship and urged the WCO to further strengthen cooperation on environmental enforcement and explore measures to promote sustainable and resilient customs operations.

Following the Council meeting, Commissioner Magnus announced that the United States intends to nominate Department of Commerce Deputy Assistant Secretary Ian Saunders to become the next Secretary General of the WCO. If elected by a majority of customs director generals who attend the June 2023 Council session, Saunders will become the first American official to serve as WCO Secretary General since 1999.

CBP represents the U.S. Government at the WCO. The United States joined the WCO in 1970 and has been a leader in developing and implementing the SAFE Framework of Standards, the Harmonized System, the WCO Data Model, and other WCO tools that secure and facilitate international trade.

The WCO is the independent, international body dedicated to improving the effectiveness and efficiency of customs administrations. The organization’s 184 members collaborate to establish standards and instruments that reduce the costs of international trade, facilitate the cross-border flow of essential goods, and protect society from unsafe products.

Release Date

Thu, 06/30/2022