Trade Outreach

Trade News Snapshot - Volume 5, Issue 8

hkelly — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 13:13:23 +0000

Trade News Snapshot - Volume 5, Issue 8 hkelly Wed, 11/01/2023 - 09:13

EAC's Message

It’s already the middle of autumn and the team at the Office of Trade is as busy as ever focusing on our mission to facilitate legitimate trade, protect consumers, and maintain a level playing field for American businesses. As I’ve said many times before, we cannot do any of this alone. We depend on our partners in industry to get the job done.

One of the ways industry can do its part is by informing U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of any suspected trade violations. Small- and medium-sized businesses, many at the forefront of American innovation, are all too often threatened by unfair trade practices such as antidumping and countervailing duty evasion, forced labor, and natural resource crimes. Accordingly, it’s crucial that American businesses become comfortable with the tools that empower them to take action against these violations, including CBP’s Trade Violations Reporting Tool. As part of our effort to increase awareness, this month CBP announced a series of free training webinars and resources to help small- and medium-sized businesses navigate the reporting process. By working together against unfair competition, we can make the trade environment stronger, safer, and more prosperous for all.

You can learn more about the new webinars and some of the other activities the Office of Trade led in October below.

~ Executive Assistant Commissioner AnnMarie R. Highsmith

EAC's Message
I. Office of Trade Activity
II. Outreach
III. News You Can Use
Trade Statistics
- Monthly Trade Statistics

I. Office of Trade Activity

CBP offers free webinars to empower businesses to report trade violations

At the 2023 World Korean Business Conference on October 11, CBP announced a series of free webinars designed to empower small and medium-sized businesses to report trade violations that impact their bottom line and the U.S. economy. The webinars will take place quarterly between November 7, 2023 and September 10, 2024. During each webinar, CBP experts will guide businesses through the process of using the Trade Violations Reporting Tool, an accessible platform that simplifies reporting without the need for extensive resources or specialized knowledge. Businesses will learn how to report various suspected violations, from duty evasion to forced labor. These webinars are open to all and will be recorded.

For more details, read the Trade Violations Webinar press release.

CBP's Green Trade Strategy paves the way for sustainable trade

The latest featured article in CBP’s Frontline Magazine offers an exclusive look at the agency’s groundbreaking Green Trade Strategy, a significant step in addressing the urgent challenges of climate change and environmental degradation. Through the Green Trade Strategy, CBP aims to leverage its pivotal role and influence in global supply chains to drive more sustainable trade practices and combat the negative impacts of climate change. The newest article details CBP's commitment to environmental responsibility and the many ways that innovative developments, like the recent renovations at the San Ysidro Port of Entry, are shaping a greener and more resilient trade landscape.

For a closer look, read the Green Trade Strategy article.

Interagency collaboration uncovers $42 million plywood import fraud

On October 19, Florida couple Noel and Kelsy Hernandez Quintana pleaded guilty to conspiring against customs regulations and the Lacey Act, a law that prohibits the trade of illegally sourced plant products, among other things. The couple illegally imported and sold plywood products, evading duties of approximately $42 million. CBP collaborated with Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Animal and Plant Health Investigation Service to uncover the Quintanas’ intricate scheme, which involved setting up shell companies for plywood imports and making deceptive declarations about product origin and wood type to avoid duties. These actions posed a notable risk to the integrity of the U.S. market by facilitating illegal wood harvesting and selling those goods at prices beneath their market value.

The Quintanas’ sentencing is scheduled for January 12, 2024, at which time they could face forfeiture up to $42 million and years in prison.

For more details, read the U.S. Department of Justice press release.

Interagency investigation unearths export of allegedly stolen dinosaur bones

Following an interagency investigation, four people were charged by a federal grand jury with allegedly purchasing, selling, and exporting over $1 million in paleontological resources, including dinosaur bones illegally removed from federal and state lands in Utah.

CBP collaborated with Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in the investigation by monitoring the import and export activity of the involved individuals and companies. Through this work, CBP identified a suspicious shipment in November 2022, which a joint CBP and BLM physical examination later confirmed to contain fossilized dinosaur bones. The bones were seized and turned over to BLM for further investigation, with continued analytical and investigative support from CBP. The defendants had their initial court appearance on October 19.

For more details, read the U.S. Department of Justice press release.

II. Outreach

DEAC Leonard addresses Transportation Border Summit

On October 17, CBP Office of Trade Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) John Leonard spoke at the Transportation Border Summit in Washington, D.C. The event, which the Future Borders Coalition hosted, brought together more than 100 officials from industry and government to discuss challenges and innovations in travel and supply chains. In his remarks, DEAC Leonard promoted the 21^st Century Customs Framework initiative, CBP’s Green Trade Strategy, and other customs modernization priorities.

EAC Highsmith urges stronger supply chain collaboration in Silicon Valley

On October 17, CBP Office of Trade Executive Assistant Commissioner (EAC) AnnMarie Highsmith delivered keynote remarks at the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) Annual Conference in Santa Clara, California. The event gathered over 600 representatives from the federal government, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector to discuss responsible and modernized business practices. In her remarks, EAC Highsmith emphasized the importance of safe and efficient supply chains and highlighted the value of government-industry partnerships in advancing these goals.

At the conference, EAC Highsmith also participated in a high-level panel discussion with RBA’s Chief Executive Officer Rob Lederer and leaders from the private sector. During the panel, EAC Highsmith described ways that CBP employs regulation and enforcement to eliminate forced labor from supply chains and to incentivize green trade. Notably, she also emphasized that CBP is not just a regulator, but also a partner and facilitator in efforts for more responsible business practices.

Office of Trade releases new recruitment video

In October, CBP’s Office of Trade released its latest recruitment video. The video features perspectives of employees from across the country on the benefits of a career with Trade Regulatory Audit. Among the benefits mentioned were the ability to maintain a great work-life balance while doing meaningful work, as well as the supportive culture throughout Trade Regulatory Audit. The Office of Trade invites any aspiring auditors to explore opportunities to further CBP’s trade mission by joining the team.

View the video on CBP's YouTube Channel.

III. News You Can Use

Trade Statistics

Monthly Trade Statistics

In September 2023, CBP processed more than 2.7 million entry summaries valued at $271 billion, identifying estimated duties of nearly $6.6 billion to be collected by the U.S. government. Trade via maritime environment accounted for more than 41 percent of the total import value, followed by air, truck, and rail. CBP identified 259 entries valued at more than $102 million for further examination based on the suspected use of forced labor, and which may be subject to a Withhold Release Order, Forced Labor Finding, or the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act’s rebuttable presumption prohibiting importation into the United States.

CBP seized nearly 1,658 shipments that contained counterfeit goods valued at more than $177 million had they been genuine.

Trade News Snapshot - Volume 5, Issue 7

hkelly — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 18:01:14 +0000

Trade News Snapshot - Volume 5, Issue 7 hkelly Fri, 09/29/2023 - 14:01

EAC's Message

It's been another busy month in the Office of Trade! In September, I traveled to the United Kingdom to attend the Cambridge International Symposium on Economic Crime, meet with the U.K. Border Force and His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, and talked to colleagues involved in BritishAmerican Business. The trip was a valuable chance to learn from the diverse perspectives of academia and stakeholders from diverse organizations from around the world.

Among the topics we discussed were the various efforts to combat trade-based money laundering, a practice that is often used by transnational criminal organizations to disguise and move illicit profits over multiple industries. I also had the chance to talk through our exciting modernization initiatives − including the 21st Century Customs Framework and interoperability − which are increasingly important to achieving our goals amid the rapid changes of today's trade environment.

You can read more about my trip and the ways we're working to further these efforts below.

~ Executive Assistant Commissioner AnnMarie R. Highsmith

EAC's Message
I. Office of Trade Activity
- CBP modifies Withhold Release Order against Supermax Corporation Bhd. and its subsidiaries
- CBP initiates interoperability standards test to improve supply chain transparency
II. Outreach
III. News You Can Use
Trade Statistics
- Monthly Trade Statistics

I. Office of Trade Activity

CBP modifies Withhold Release Order against Supermax Corporation Bhd. and its subsidiaries

On September 18, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that it modified the existing Withhold Release Order against Supermax Corporation Bhd. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (Supermax Glove Manufacturing, Maxter Glove Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd., and Maxwell Glove Manufacturing Bhd.) due to successful remediation of forced labor indicators in the company’s supply chain. Imports of disposable gloves manufactured by Supermax Corporation Bhd. and its wholly owned subsidiaries are no longer subject to trade restrictions for violating U.S. trade laws prohibiting the use of forced labor.

Thus far in fiscal year 2023, CBP has issued four modifications. CBP’s forced labor enforcement efforts have resulted in the improvement of living and working conditions for tens of thousands of workers, including the repayment of more than $50 million in withheld wages and recruitment fees used to trap workers in debt bondage.

For more details, read the Supermax Corp press release.

CBP initiates interoperability standards test to improve supply chain transparency

On September 12, CBP announced the completion of its first interoperability test. Interoperability allows different technology systems to work with each other, bridging data silos that exist today among global supply chain participants and making possible a standard manner of communication between the private sector and government agencies. Interoperability provides businesses the flexibility to choose from various technologies to exchange data with CBP. The setting of such standards will help streamline communication and facilitation and improve security in supply chains.

CBP’s recent test focused on pipeline oil and steel supply chains and involved some of the largest companies in both industries. The system enhances work environments, removing the need for paper and allowing for the real-time exchange of data, which provides greater security and more timely reactions from the agency. The system also involves data exchanges from both traditional and non-traditional supply chain actors, allowing CBP to combine data that includes information of shipments prior to arrival with data that already exists in the Automated Commercial Environment.

CBP is committed to promoting global interoperability as part of its overall modernization efforts. CBP will continue to invest in integrating technology solutions through global interoperability standards, and plans additional domestic and international testing in 2024, focusing on e-commerce, natural gas, and food safety.

For more details, read the Supply Chain Transparency press release.

II. Outreach

CBP strengthens partnerships with Indonesia

DEAC John Leonard meets with representatives from the Asian Business Council and the American Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia at Google’s headquarters in Jakarta.

CBP Office of Trade Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) John Leonard traveled to Jakarta, Indonesia in late September to discuss a wide array of customs matters with public and private sector partners. In addition to fruitful discussions with the Indonesian Directorate General of Customs and Excise, DEAC Leonard held talks on shared trade facilitation and enforcement priorities with senior leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. DEAC Leonard also met with private sector partners, including the U.S.-Asia Business Council, Expeditors International, the American Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia, and DHL to discuss customs modernization, regional trade issues, and opportunities for further public-private cooperation on customs and trade matters.

EAC Highsmith discusses bilateral cooperation with U.K. authorities

CBP Office of Trade leaders meet with BritishAmerican Business in London

On September 8, Office of Trade Executive Assistant Commissioner (EAC) AnnMarie Highsmith met with the U.K. Border Force and His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs in London. EAC Highsmith and the U.K. representatives discussed the potential for bilateral cooperation on key efforts including preventing the importation of goods made by forced labor; strengthening supply chain security in the e-commerce environment; developing a “single window” like the U.S. Automated Commercial Environment for processing trade-related import and export data required by the government; and enhancing the role of customs administrations in combatting climate change and environmental degradation.

EAC Highsmith addresses BritishAmerican Business

During her trip to the U.K. in early September, EAC Highsmith delivered remarks on CBP’s trade facilitation and enforcement priorities in a roundtable discussion with members of BritishAmerican Business, a trade association composed of businesses with operations in both the U.S. and the U.K. EAC Highsmith provided updates on several CBP trade facilitation and enforcement priorities, including ongoing work to collect and assess data in advance of a shipment’s arrival at a port of entry, efforts to improve supply chain resiliency, and initiatives to modernize statutory authorities. She also discussed the ways in which CBP is working to address threats posed by climate change and forced labor through the Green Trade Strategy and the implementation of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, respectively. The roundtable was a great opportunity not only to provide updates and information on CBP’s trade efforts, but also to receive valuable feedback from the transatlantic trade community.

III. News You Can Use

Trade Statistics

Monthly Trade Statistics

In August 2023, CBP processed more than 2.8 million entry summaries valued at $281 billion, identifying estimated duties of nearly $7.1 billion to be collected by the U.S. government. Trade via the maritime environment accounted for 43 percent of the total import value, followed by air, truck, and rail. CBP identified 320 entries valued at more than $68 million for further examination based on the suspected use of forced labor, and which may be subject to a Withhold Release Order, Forced Labor Finding, or the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act’s rebuttable presumption prohibiting importation into the United States.

CBP seized over 1,700 shipments that contained counterfeit goods valued at more than $177 million had they been genuine.

CBP Trade Advisory Committee Convenes for Fiscal Year-End Public Meeting

mcopeland — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 17:17:54 +0000

CBP Trade Advisory Committee Convenes for Fiscal Year-End Public Meeting mcopeland Wed, 09/27/2023 - 13:17

By Marcy Mason

Discussions began on a serious note when members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s trade advisory committee met virtually for their last public meeting of the fiscal year on Sept. 20. The Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee, known as COAC, received a sobering update on the rise in fentanyl seizures.

Container ships docked at the port of Savannah in Georgia at dusk. Photo by Jerry Glaser

“CBP’s fentanyl seizures have risen more than 800% since fiscal year 2019, and CBP has seized over 26,000 pounds of fentanyl as of today,” said Troy A. Miller, CBP’s senior official performing the duties of the commissioner, who co-chaired the meeting. “Our officers and agents are dedicated to the mission of seizing illicit drugs and disrupting the supply chains that bring them to our borders and into our communities. But the advent of fentanyl and other synthetic drugs within the past decade has raised the stakes beyond anything we might have predicted when CBP was created just 20 years ago.”

One of the pathways for fentanyl to get into the hands of criminals is through small package shipments, especially in the air cargo environment. Above, CBP officers at Los Angeles International Airport direct the offloading of shipments from a plane before inspecting international air cargo. Photo by Ya-Huei Laura Lee

Miller shared that fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. “In the United States, it has contributed to more than 100,000 overdose deaths over the last two years. These tragedies have touched every corner of our country,” said Miller. “Far too many of us have friends, family members, and colleagues who have been affected.”

Miller pledged to combat the fentanyl crisis. “We are deeply committed to disrupting the production mechanisms and supply chains operated by transnational criminal organizations,” said Miller. One common pathway for fentanyl, precursor chemicals, and pill presses to get into the hands of criminals is through small package shipments, especially in the air cargo environment, he explained.

“Due to e-commerce, the volume of these shipments has skyrocketed,” said Miller. “Through August 29th of this current fiscal year, CBP has cleared about 976 million de minimis shipments and is tracking to exceed a billion shipments for the first time ever,” which he noted makes “screening these shipments and ferreting out contraband incredibly challenging.”

Miller also gave an update on CBP’s green trade strategy that was launched in 2022. The strategy incentivizes green trade, bolsters CBP’s environmental enforcement posture, and strengthens enforcement of trade laws related to natural resource crime.

CBP’s Truck Manifest Modernization program, an example of the agency’s green trade strategy, has cut wait times and reduced emissions from idling vehicles. As a result, the average processing time in primary lanes has dropped from two minutes to approximately 30 seconds. Above, cargo traffic arriving from Mexico at the Mariposa Crossing at the port of Nogales in Arizona. Photo by Jerry Glaser

Miller told the audience that CBP hosted its first Green Trade Innovation and Incentives Forum on July 11. “This gathering was a significant milestone in the implementation of CBP’s green trade strategy. The forum jumpstarted a conversation on cross-sectoral opportunities to increase the sustainability of global supply chains and trade flows, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions worldwide,” said Miller. Over the course of a day, the event drew more than 200 in-person participants and over 750 virtual attendees, representing more than 250 companies, 30 federal, state and local government agencies, and 35 countries.

“Going forward, CBP will continue to establish green trade targets and metrics,” said Miller. “We will also continue to implement green trade programs such as the Truck Manifest Modernization program, an advanced electronic manifest in ACE,” the Automated Commercial Environment, CBP’s cargo processing system.

“The Truck Manifest Modernization program has cut wait times and reduced emissions from idling vehicles,” said Miller. “As a result, average processing times in primary lanes have dropped from two minutes to approximately 30 seconds for more than 90% of the 45,000 to 50,000 trucks released daily.”

A CBP officer stops a truck carrying a cargo container after an inspection using Non-Intrusive Inspection technology at the port of Savannah in Georgia. Photo by Jerry Glaser

In closing, Miller expressed how much he valued the COAC. “At the risk of repeating myself, I cannot stress enough how important COAC is to the success of our mission, especially when it comes to intercepting fentanyl, other dangerous substances, and disrupting criminal supply chains,” he said. “Criminal organizations continue to evolve their smuggling operations, but we are evolving too. COAC is integral to that effort. We must work together.”

Tom West, the U.S. Department of Treasury’s deputy assistant secretary for tax policy, who also co-chaired the meeting, acknowledged the importance of COAC’s work as well. “I appreciate the input and feedback from COAC on what are some of the thorniest issues that we face today, including how to keep goods produced with force labor out of our country. Today’s agenda is full of these issues,” said West. “There are no easy solutions to any of these challenges. You all know that. We know that. But a forum like this helps make sure we have considered everything that we should, and that we’ve heard all of the perspectives that we should be hearing. Rest assured, we value this work, and we take all of the recommendations that you have presented in the past and that you are here to present today into account when the rubber hits the road and we’re making our decisions.”

A CBP agriculture specialist looks for pests in wood packing materials in a shipment that arrived at the port of entry in International Falls, Minnesota. Photo by Charles Csavossy

COAC trade co-chair Brian White, the senior director of customs and trade facilitation at Intel Corporation, spoke about the progress being made. “Earlier today, we engaged in a highly productive discussion with the leadership team, exploring very promising opportunities within the Centers of Excellence and Expertise, the De Minimis Working Group, and the critical issues surrounding forced labor. In addition to these key initiatives, I am delighted to share that our members have had an exceptionally productive quarter,” said White. “We value the unique opportunity that we have as COAC members to advise CBP on the commercial operations. The collaborative spirit and the expertise gathered here today have truly been exceptional in shaping the future of our industry and the trade community.

The meeting also included updates on trade programs and COAC subcommittee work. Twenty-nine recommendations were presented and unanimously passed. The recommendations pertained to forced labor, intellectual property rights, antidumping and countervailing duties, de minimis imports, pipeline modernization, ACE 2.0, passenger air operations, and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

Announcements were made about the next public COAC meeting that will be held on Dec. 13 in Washington, D.C., and CBP’s 2024 Trade Facilitation and Cargo Security Summit, scheduled for March 26-28 in Philadelphia.

COAC is a 20-member advisory committee established by Congress in 1987. The committee provides advice and recommendations to CBP and the Department of the Treasury on the commercial operations of CBP and trade-related interdepartmental functions. Some of the issues COAC focuses on include enhanced border and supply chain security, international efforts to harmonize customs practices and procedures, import safety, compliance, and modernization and automation processes used to facilitate trade.

Shipping containers filled with goods are lifted off of a vessel onto a truck at the port of Savannah. Photo by Jerry Glaser

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

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 initiates interoperability standards test to improve supply chain transparency

jessica.turner — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 19:09:56 +0000

CBP initiates interoperability standards test to improve supply chain transparency jessica.turner Tue, 09/12/2023 - 15:09

WASHINGTON—U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced today the completion of its first interoperability test. The test seeks to establish global standards to foster transparency and a standard manner of communication between the private sector and government agencies while allowing both to maintain the ability to choose from various technologies.

CBP is committed to promoting global interoperability – the ability of different software systems to work with each other – as part of the agency’s modernization efforts.

“Global interoperability standards will help unify the approach to transparent supply chains within both the public and private sectors, streamlining communication and improving both security and facilitation,” said Vincent Annunziato, CBP’s Business Transformation and Innovation Division Director.

CBP is working with the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate under the Silicon Valley Innovation Program with cohort members mesur.io, Neoflow, and Transmute to develop a global modernization strategy, which includes global interoperability standards.

CBP’s recent test focused on pipeline oil and steel supply chains and involved some of the largest companies in both industries. The system enhanced work environments by removing the need for paper and allowing for the real-time exchange of data, which provides greater security and more timely reactions from the agency. The system also included data exchanges from both traditional and non-traditional supply chain actors, allowing CBP to combine modernized data that includes information of shipments prior to arrival, with data that already exists in the Automated Commercial Environment, a first for the agency.

As part of CBP’s innovative work, the agency will continue to invest in global interoperability with upcoming international and domestic testing in 2024, focusing on e-commerce, natural gas, and food safety. These tests will include collaboration with several partner government agencies. CBP looks to further promote transparency and global interoperability standards with these tests.

“Our 2023 test created the possibility for more advancements. With bipartisan support, CBP will extend its commitment to global standards by testing its ability to verify the origin of transactions and issue credentials. The 2024 tests are a prelude to limited production for the five Silicon Valley Innovation Program projects (pipeline oil, steel, natural gas, e-commerce, and food safety) and the larger CBP modernization effort, the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) 2.0,” Annunziato said.

In the first international test, participating countries with Mutual Recognition Agreements will exchange the newly authored Global Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism/Authorized Economic Operator credential. This will allow private industry to request benefits from countries without having to apply separately for each country. The second international test will explore how countries will exchange billing data to verify goods have been exported.

For more information about ACE 2.0 and CBP’s investment in global interoperability standards, contact OTinnovation@cbp.dhs.gov.

Release Date

Tue, 09/12/2023

Trade News Snapshot - Volume 5, Issue 6

hkelly — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 18:08:46 +0000

Trade News Snapshot - Volume 5, Issue 6 hkelly Tue, 09/05/2023 - 14:08

EAC's Message

Summer has just flown by, and we’re already in the midst of back-to-school season!

It's an exciting time for students and parents alike, but also a time that requires us to be especially vigilant. As we go about shopping for school supplies and new clothes, we need to be aware of the counterfeit goods that have flooded the market.

Such fakes are not only made of shoddy materials but can also pose serious health and safety risks. We’ve come across backpacks made with harmful chemicals or unsafe levels of lead, defective bicycle helmets, and faulty electronic devices that can cause fires, just to name a few.

CBP works diligently to protect American families from the dangers of these counterfeit goods. For more on the dangers of counterfeit goods and what you can do to avoid them, see my blog over at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s website.

~ Executive Assistant Commissioner AnnMarie R. Highsmith

EAC's Message
I. Office of Trade Activity
II. Outreach
- EAC Highsmith calls for more women in customs
III. News You Can Use
Trade Statistics
- Monthly Trade Statistics

I. Office of Trade Activity

CBP renews anti-counterfeiting partnership with U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Tom Quaadman, Executive Vice President at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Innovation Policy Center and John Leonard, Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner, CBP/OT.

On August 10, Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) John Leonard met with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) in New York to sign a renewal addendum extending a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between CBP and the Chamber for an additional five years.

The MOU, which was initially announced in May 2021, established efforts to share information and connect resources in efforts to combat the flow of counterfeit goods. In the two years since the MOU was enacted, CBP and the Chamber have worked together to host successful outreach engagements between government and private industry, share data on known or suspected intellectual property rights (IPR) violations, and conduct joint training sessions.

The initiative has also focused on public awareness, with multiple campaigns − such as the current Shop Smart back-to-school campaign − highlighting the dangers of counterfeit goods and providing tips to help consumers avoid them. Read more about the joint initiative as well as the MOU signing event on the Chamber's website and on Twitter @CBPTradeGov.

Following the signing, DEAC Leonard participated in a round table discussion in which leaders from CBP and the Chamber discussed ways that both entities are working to further the protection of IPR, such as providing training in the field, sharing information, and working with partner government agencies.

Tackling high-risk shipments with Global Business Identifier

On July 21, 2023, CBP extended the test period for the Global Business Identifier (GBI) initiative through February 14, 2024, to allow for increased participation. CBP is working with industry and 13 partner government agencies to pinpoint and stop high-risk shipments arriving at our borders with the Global Business Identifier (GBI) Evaluative Proof of Concept (EPoC). This collaborative effort seeks to enhance trade facilitation and trade security by testing and developing a unified business identifier solution to achieve better visibility into global supply chains.

Companies interested in participating in the GBI test can provide data for one or more entity identifiers through the Automated Commercial Environment. Participation in the test is voluntary, and a select number of trade user volunteers will be chosen to test the single identifier solution. By participating, members of the trade community will have the opportunity to evaluate and provide feedback on the GBI EPoC design and scope and test the optimal combination of entity identifiers. The transmission of GBI data only applies to current Automated Broker Interface participants.

For detailed information about the GBI EPoC, please review the updated Federal Register Notice and visit the GBI webpage. For any inquiries or questions, please contact GBI@cbp.dhs.gov.

CBP opens registration period for Customs Broker License Exam

On August 14, CBP opened registration for the next Customs Broker License Exam (CBLE), which will occur on October 25. The upcoming exam will have a new configuration, with 80 multiple-choice questions, each containing four possible answer choices, rather than the previous five. Registration will remain open until September 12, 2023. Customs broker candidates can view additional information and register for the CBLE on CBP’s website.

II. Outreach

EAC Highsmith calls for more women in customs

The theme of the 2023 APEC Customs-Business Dialogue was “Women in Trade.” From left to right: Anne Maricich, Deputy Director for Employee Engagement and Organizational Culture, CBP/OFO; Kristie McKinney, Director, Multilateral Affairs Division, CBP/INA; and AnnMarie Highsmith, Executive Assistant Commissioner, CBP/OT.

On August 2, 2023, Executive Assistant Commissioner of the Office of Trade AnnMarie Highsmith left the crowd at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Customs-Business Dialogue with one message: the time to talk about advancing gender equity in customs administrations is over. The time to act is now.

Customs administrations officials and business leaders from around the world met in Seattle to collaborate on solutions to attract more women into customs professions, specifically leadership positions, and ultimately into the broader trade ecosystem.

Although CBP has a history of female leadership, this is not the norm around the world. Only two of the 18 APEC economies that responded to the 2022 and 2023 customs agency survey have more than 50 percent of women in senior leadership roles. Highsmith noted how customs administrations are uniquely positioned to promote gender equality and diversity, and how this is central to securing the national and economic security of future generations.

The International Labour Organization suggests that reducing the labor force participation gap between men and women by 25 percent could add $3.2 trillion to Asia-Pacific economies. Businesses and customs administrations are also uniquely positioned to be advocates of diversity and change in Asia-Pacific economies to make an impact that would not only benefit future generations of women across the region, but also give a competitive advantage. Supporting women has a domino effect – everyone benefits. Diverse skill sets and perspectives are critical for our economic growth and for tackling global challenges, Highsmith emphasized. “We can’t afford not to bring more women into the customs space.”

Highsmith targeted collaboration as well as evidence and data-driven practices to close the gender gap in customs.
She emphasized the importance of regularly collecting sex-disaggregated data within customs administrations, leading reforms in the hiring and retention of female talent, and advocating for gender equality on large global platforms like the World Customs Organization. “Data can change minds and drive change,” she said, adding that, “we can’t change the world on our own: we need partners, and we need each other.”

III. News You Can Use

Trade Statistics

Monthly Trade Statistics

In July, CBP processed more than 3 million entry summaries valued $262 billion, identifying estimated duties of nearly $7 billion to be collected by the U.S. government. Trade via the ocean environment accounted for more than 45 percent of the total import value, followed by air, truck, and rail. CBP identified 388 entries valued at more than $107 million for further examination based on the suspected use of forced labor, and which may be subject to a Withhold Release Order, Forced Labor Finding, or the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act’s rebuttable presumption prohibiting importation into the United States. CBP seized nearly 1,698 shipments that contained counterfeit goods valued at more than $165 million.

Shop Smart this School Season: Business, Law Enforcement Team Up to Educate Americans to Identify, Avoid Counterfeit Goods

rlawson — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 17:57:32 +0000

Shop Smart this School Season: Business, Law Enforcement Team Up to Educate Americans to Identify, Avoid Counterfeit Goods rlawson Tue, 08/08/2023 - 13:57

WASHINGTON — As students and educators across America gear up to return to campus, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are on a mission to educate the public. The lesson? To teach students, parents, teachers, and small businesses about the risks posed by counterfeit goods and how to avoid them.

August is the peak season for school supply shopping, but it’s also an opportunity for scammers to peddle counterfeit, potentially harmful goods. In Fiscal Year 2022, CBP seized nearly 25 million counterfeit goods with an estimated manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of nearly $3 billion. These fakes include back-to-school staples like electronics, footwear, study supplies, and clothing.

“CBP is committed to maximizing compliance with laws that protect American families from the dangers counterfeit goods pose to their health and well-being,” said Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner for CBP’s Office of Trade, John P. Leonard. “As a father, I don’t want my kids carrying backpacks or lunchboxes with unsafe levels of lead in their zippers. That’s the type of risk we’re talking about here, and the type of risk that CBP is working to mitigate.”

Opting for a knock-off backpack or counterfeit phone charger might seem like a budget-friendly choice, but it comes with risks. Fake goods often break down or don't meet safety standards, ultimately doubling the cost for consumers, who pay with their health and their wallet. Despite luring shoppers with promises of low prices, counterfeiters' subpar and potentially dangerous products don't make the grade.

“Fake goods are a real danger to American families, especially for those preparing for the new school year,” said Tom Quaadman, Executive Vice President at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Innovation Policy Center. “Together, business and law enforcement urge everyone to protect themselves with our Five Tips to Shop Smart.”

Counterfeits drain more than $500 billion annually from the global economy, posing a serious threat to small businesses. That’s why companies and law enforcement are taking to the airwaves and online in an ongoing nationwide public education nationwide to spread the lessons on identifying, avoiding, and reporting fake goods.

For more information about what you can do to shop smart for the back-to-school shopping season visit CBP’s the truth behind counterfeits webpage and www.USChamber.com/shopsmart.

Release Date

Tue, 08/08/2023

SOPDOC Troy Miller addresses Green Trade Forum

rlawson — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 19:24:26 +0000

SOPDOC Troy Miller addresses Green Trade Forum rlawson Wed, 07/12/2023 - 15:24

CBP Senior Official Performing the Duties of Commissioner Troy A. Miller delivered the following remarks at the inaugural Green Trade Forum at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office July 11 in Alexandria, Virginia

Good morning, everyone. It’s my first time here at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. What a beautiful facility, right? It’s awesome and I thank them so much for them hosting this event.

SOPDOC Miller addresses the Green Trade Forum, held July 11 at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in Alexandria, VA.

Thank you for the kind introduction and thank you, everyone, both here and online for joining us for our inaugural Green Trade Forum. And AnnMarie, the team has done just a great job putting this together. And really, the agenda just proves how important this initiative is for all of us.

I hope you enjoyed hearing from my esteemed Australian Border Force colleague, Kimberlee Stamatis. It is encouraging to hear from our like-minded partners about how they are addressing challenges presented by global climate change and its impact on customs missions worldwide. Climate change is both, as we all have been discussing this morning, is both a national and economic security threat.

As you heard earlier, several executive orders reflect the U.S. government's recognition that this crisis is central to U.S. foreign policy, national security, and our border operations. In fact, NATO recognizes climate change as ‘a defining challenge of our time with a profound impact on our allies security.’ The business of trade is no exception. We cannot conduct cross-border trade in our facilities, infrastructure and our global supply chains will not withstand climate and environmental impacts. If we fail to prepare, the consequences could be devastating. But we all know we can overcome these challenges together.

We have heard a lot about the Green Trade Strategy’s goals from our Executive Assistant Commissioner Highsmith. I want to highlight how CBP is doing our part to achieve these goals. CBP's Green Trade Strategy aligns with broader efforts by the Department of Homeland Security, supporting a whole of government approach to addressing the impacts of climate change on the trade mission.

As you heard earlier, CBP recognizes the importance of making our operational footprint greener. CBP has established metrics to measure the environmental impact of our activities, in line with federal reporting requirements, and is in the process of establishing additional green trade targets and metrics.

For example, in Fiscal Year 2022, CBP achieved a 69.6 percent reduction in scope one and two greenhouse gas emissions from our Fiscal Year 2008 baseline value. This achievement nearly doubled our original goal to reduce emissions by 38 percent.

But we have a lot more to do in 2022. CBP’s top three reported scope 1 and 2 emissions sources were associated with purchased electricity, fleet, and building fuel consumption. We continue to assess and reduce scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions at facilities with the greatest amount of annual energy consumption, and at facilities that combust fuels onsite for heating, cooling, and other energy needs.

We also continue to implement measures to bring our real estate portfolio to net zero or close to net zero. For instance, CBP is working to execute an energy savings performance contract involving more than 75 CBP facilities across 15 states and Puerto Rico. This project will improve energy conservation at roughly 6 percent of our 1,245 buildings. Facility improvements will include more efficient lighting, upgraded heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, water conservation measures, and photovoltaic solar panel installation.

CBP will execute two specialized projects funded by Department of Energy grants. For the first project, CBP and our vendor will focus on the essential lighting solutions that improve essential performance and minimize lifecycle based lifecycle costs.

For the second project, CBP will build a PV solar panel array and battery energy storage system at Ramey Border Patrol headquarters in Puerto Rico to improve the facility's resilience to hurricanes and other natural disasters. CBP has several examples of net zero facilities, including Border Patrol stations in California, Idaho, Texas and Washington State.

The San Ysidro Land Port of Entry and San Diego is a partnership between CBP and GSA to improve sustainability of CBP-occupied facilities. San Ysidro, the busiest border crossing in the Western Hemisphere, is the first GSA facility to achieve three lead—Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design platinum certifications.

Currently, 35% of CBP’s real estate portfolio meets federal High-Performance Sustainable Building standards. We are committed to achieving even greater levels of sustainability. Modernization efforts funded under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. We are underway to upgrade 26 land border ports of entry to be more sustainable, energy efficient, and meet federal green building requirements.

CBP is also purchasing electric vehicles and charging stations. By 2030, our goal is to have 50% of the CBP vehicle fleet compromised of EVs. This will reduce our fossil fuel resilience, lower our greenhouse gas emissions, and create a more resilient fleet and infrastructure. Finally, we are using technological investment and better data to ensure both operational efficiencies and environmental benefits.

A couple more examples. We are conducting a port emissions modeling and analysis study through the Department of Energy's National Laboratories. The study will provide a baseline model for current commercial truck greenhouse gas emissions at land ports of entry and offer recommendations to reduce overall emissions and boost cargo processing efficiency.

Furthermore, we have deployed our Truck Manifest Modernization program, an advanced electronic manifest, cut border wait times and reduce emissions from idling vehicles. Preliminary results showed that average processing times in primary inspection have been reduced from two minutes to about 30 seconds for more than 99% of the 45-50,000 trucks released daily. Before, less than 40 percent of truck manifests were processed in that short amount of time.

CBP is also digitizing our remaining manual and paper-based compliance processes. We are investing in the development of digital supply chain technologies, and will help CBP and broader trade community trace and verify the origin, composition, and environmental impact of the products. Lastly, we are collaborating with DHS Science and Technology to invest in green innovation research, including potential future prize competitions.

Tackling climate change requires a worldwide coordinated effort between the public and private sector. Today's participants are a great example of how we can come together and do just that. CBP is currently partnering with the Department of Transportation, the American Association of Port Authorities, the International Task Force on Port Call Optimization, and the International Port Community Systems Association to develop an open-source Port Community Information System. This system is being designed to optimize port business processing to reduce related greenhouse gas emissions.

Our work with our interagency partners also includes enforcement of the United States Mexico Canada agreement provisions that prevent natural resource crimes, such as illegal deforestation, and timber logging; illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; and wildlife trafficking.”

In January 2022, CBP and Environmental Protection Agency initiated the Interagency Task Force on Illegal Hydrofluorocarbon trade to detect, deter and disrupt illegal importation of hydrofluorocarbons into the United States. CBP and EPA issued letters of denial, stopping illegal shipments to more than 889,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide, which equates to emission from nearly 173,000 homes based on electric electricity usage for one year.

CBP is also working with NGOs to target natural resource crimes and illicit trade and to strategically envision for the future. Our partnerships include collaboration with C4ADS, who we are excited to have here today, as well as the Environmental Investigative Agency, World Wildlife Fund, Global Fishing Watch, and the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership.”

CBP, U.S. Fish and Wildlife and the Department of State are currently coordinating to expand enforcement activities to target illegal logging operations in Brazil, which threatens the Amazon. We are also partnering with Global Fishing Watch to deter illegal fishing by improving visibility into fishing vessel locations, and we are working with the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership on a project in the Baja California Protected Zone to save the endangered totoaba fish and the vaquita porpoise.

And on that note, just this last April, CBP officers in the Area Port of Nogales in Arizona partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to seize 242 pounds, of protected Totoaba swim bladders, worth an estimated $2.7 million. This is the second largest seizure of this kind in the United States. These bladders should have never been harvested, which is why we continue to ramp up our enforcement efforts with our partners.

What's next? I would like to highlight our global customs partnerships. I would especially like to thank Assistant Secretary Stamatis again and her colleagues at the Australian Border Force for her message today and for joining us in recognizing the impact of climate change to our customs mission.

We are also grateful for the work being advanced with multilateral forums like the World Customs Organization to define the global scope and degree of green customs. In fact, we are contributing to the WCO’s Green Customs Action Plan, which will be launched later this year.

Going forward, CBP will implement new initiatives to achieve green trade goals. Our plans include:

reviewing the existing authorized economic, economic operator programs,
surveying and collaborating with international organizations and governments, such as the WCO and the European Union, and
engaging with industry partners, NGOs, and academic institutions to solicit ideas and perspectives.

With the Green Trade Strategy, CBP is setting an example for customs authorities around the world to develop greater standards for global trade and collaborate with industry, stakeholder stakeholders and the public. We are uniquely positioned to promote a global green trade environment through cutting-edge practices and enforcement. We want to hear from you. Continue to hear from you, our trade stakeholders, our other government partners, to generate meaningful incentives. It is one of the primary reasons we are here today.

Together, we will develop higher global standards for green trade to create a sustainable future that withstands climate change.

Thank you so much for having me.

Release Date

Wed, 07/12/2023

Agenda Announced for CBP’s Inaugural Green Trade Innovation and Incentives Forum

rlawson — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 16:46:58 +0000

Agenda Announced for CBP’s Inaugural Green Trade Innovation and Incentives Forum rlawson Wed, 06/28/2023 - 12:46

WASHINGTON— U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced the agenda and speakers for the inaugural Green Trade Innovation and Incentives Forum being held July 11 at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in Alexandria, Virginia. The Green Trade Forum will convene key government officials and industry leaders to advance climate mitigation, supply chain resilience, and environmentally beneficial innovation in the international trade arena, enhance dialogue about best practices and inform the implementation of CBP’s Green Trade Strategy.

Speakers will highlight the critical nexus between climate change, environmental stewardship, economic growth and innovation, and trade policy and processes. The Forum will also feature a Trade Sustainability Leadership Showcase with presentations from a range of trade industry experts, including executive leadership from DHL Express Americas, Expeditors International and REI Co-Op. The showcase panelists will discuss the ways their organizations are working with business and supply chain partners to reduce emissions, protect natural resources and generate innovative and sustainable solutions.

Keynote speakers will include:

Troy A. Miller, Senior Official Performing Duties of Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection,
AnnMarie Highsmith, Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Trade, U.S. Customs and Border Protection,
Jayme White, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative,
Vaishali Udupa, Commissioner for Patents, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and
Kimberlee Stamatis, Assistant Secretary for Customs & Trade Policy, Australian Border Force.

To round out the agenda, a federal executive panel with representation from the Department of Homeland Security, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Transportation and other federal agency partners will hear public comments from a robust roster of trade associations, individual importers, technology providers, academic experts and non-governmental organizations in response to CBP’s call for comments on the themes of sustainable innovation, green trade incentivization, and green data as a strategic asset.

The Forum aims to identify areas of priority action for both CBP and industry, in alignment with CBP’s Green Trade Strategy. Launched at the World Customs Organization in 2022, the Green Trade Strategy is an agency-wide strategic framework aimed at lowering carbon emissions throughout the global trade ecosystem, championing the green economy and addressing the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation as they relate to trade. The Green Trade Strategy establishes the agency’s vision to build resilience and address environmental and climate-related threats with an urgency that matches the global challenge, while capitalizing on opportunities to grow the economy and accelerate innovation in a sustainable way.

CBP welcomes participation in the Forum from a wide range of organizations and individuals, including chief sustainability officers, sustainability and trade compliance experts in the trade industry, non-governmental organizations, environmental researchers and academia, partner government agencies and other sustainability-focused entities.

Additional updates to the agenda and presenters for the Forum are forthcoming and will be posted on the Green Trade Innovation and Incentives Forum webpage as information becomes available. Participants can register until July 5 using CBP’s virtual and in-person registration pages.

For more information about the Green Trade Innovation and Incentives Forum, email GreenTradeForum2023@cbp.dhs.gov.

See related CBP Reports video.

Release Date

Wed, 06/28/2023

CBP continues to set global standard in fight against forced labor one year of Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act implementation

jquinones — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 22:58:17 +0000

CBP continues to set global standard in fight against forced labor one year of Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act implementation jquinones Fri, 06/23/2023 - 18:58

WASHINGTON—CBP continues to lead U.S. government efforts to eliminate goods from the supply chain made with forced labor from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China (XUAR), one year after the agency began implementing the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.

“American consumers don’t want goods that cost another human’s life or liberty. As we have diligently worked to implement the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevent Act over the past year, one of the greatest measures of success is an observable shift in supply chain practices to avoid sourcing from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region,” said Senior Official Performing Duties of CBP Commissioner Troy A. Miller. “CBP remains committed to eliminating forced labor from supply chains and shining a spotlight on global human rights, to ensure that workers around the world are treated with dignity.”

Under the leadership of Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas, CBP has played a critical role in the first year of implementation and engagement.

CBP has stopped nearly 4,300 shipments subject to UFLPA review or enforcement actions valued at over $1.3 billion, added new requirements and increased benefits for Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism members.

CBP has launched an interactive public dashboard sharing regularly updated statistics on UFLPA enforcement efforts.
CBP has conducted more than 300 engagements with thousands of industry members, non-governmental organizations, Congress, and the media to provide information and resources necessary to comply with the law.

Moving into the second year of UFLPA enforcement, CBP will continue to collaborate with trade associations, non-governmental organizations, U.S. federal agencies, and foreign governments to globally combat forced labor and provide technical assistance to like-minded international partners. The agency will also support the Department of Homeland Security and the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force to expand the UFLPA Entity List referenced in a recent DHS press release by pursuing a more robust and effective in-depth research, analysis, review and vetting of potential entities.

“While we’re proud of the work we’ve done this past year, there is still a lot left to do,” said CBP Office of Trade Executive Assistant Commissioner AnnMarie R. Highsmith. “Our laws aren’t in place just to keep these goods out of the U.S. They exist to ensure that no good is ever made with forced labor in the first place. We have a long way to go to reach that reality, and you can bet that this will be a top priority for CBP until we do.”

The UFLPA, passed by Congress in December 2021, strengthens CBP’s ability to prohibit goods made with forced labor from entering the United States commerce. The law presumes that goods mined, manufactured, or produced wholly or in part in the XUAR or by entities on the UFLPA Entities List use forced labor and are therefore prohibited entry into the United States under Section 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930.

Visit CBP’s website for more information on the agency’s UFLPA enforcement work.

Release Date

Fri, 06/23/2023

Trade Outreach

Trade News Snapshot - Volume 5, Issue 8

EAC's Message

Contents

I. Office of Trade Activity

CBP offers free webinars to empower businesses to report trade violations

CBP's Green Trade Strategy paves the way for sustainable trade

Interagency collaboration uncovers $42 million plywood import fraud

Interagency investigation unearths export of allegedly stolen dinosaur bones

II. Outreach

DEAC Leonard addresses Transportation Border Summit

EAC Highsmith urges stronger supply chain collaboration in Silicon Valley

Office of Trade releases new recruitment video

III. News You Can Use

Trade Statistics

Monthly Trade Statistics

Trade News Snapshot - Volume 5, Issue 7

EAC's Message

Contents

I. Office of Trade Activity

CBP modifies Withhold Release Order against Supermax Corporation Bhd. and its subsidiaries

CBP initiates interoperability standards test to improve supply chain transparency

II. Outreach

CBP strengthens partnerships with Indonesia

EAC Highsmith discusses bilateral cooperation with U.K. authorities

EAC Highsmith addresses BritishAmerican Business

III. News You Can Use

Trade Statistics

Monthly Trade Statistics

CBP Trade Advisory Committee Convenes for Fiscal Year-End Public Meeting

CBP, Cabo Verde sign Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement

CBP initiates interoperability standards test to improve supply chain transparency

Trade News Snapshot - Volume 5, Issue 6

EAC's Message

Contents

I. Office of Trade Activity

CBP renews anti-counterfeiting partnership with U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Tackling high-risk shipments with Global Business Identifier

CBP opens registration period for Customs Broker License Exam

II. Outreach

EAC Highsmith calls for more women in customs

III. News You Can Use

Trade Statistics

Monthly Trade Statistics

Shop Smart this School Season: Business, Law Enforcement Team Up to Educate Americans to Identify, Avoid Counterfeit Goods

SOPDOC Troy Miller addresses Green Trade Forum

Agenda Announced for CBP’s Inaugural Green Trade Innovation and Incentives Forum

CBP continues to set global standard in fight against forced labor one year of Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act implementation