The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) federal advisory committee has greenlit a series of recommendations aimed at streamlining the transit of goods within America. The move, designed to expedite North American trade, was announced during a recent meeting of the Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee (COAC).
In a CBP news release, it was revealed that these recommendations aim to enhance CBP communications and processes while aiding companies in complying with trade policies and laws. The COAC meeting marked the final public gathering for the year.
Troy A. Miller, CBP’s Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner, stated, "Our goal is to safeguard the national and economic security of the United States and facilitate the vital flow of goods across our borders." He emphasized that "the recommendations from this committee, along with the comments we received from the public during these quarterly meetings, are vital to these efforts." Miller further acknowledged that "the transparency governed by the Federal Advisory Committee process enables us to learn from diverse perspectives and expertise, and we sincerely appreciate your work."
According to a media release, Miller expressed gratitude towards COAC for their suggestions on establishing new broker modernization regulations. They also provided guidance on developing direction for businesses in accordance with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. This federal law aims to alter U.S. policy on China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region with an objective to ensure that American entities do not fund forced labor among ethnic minorities in this region.
Miller also highlighted how the formation of the De Minimis Working Group has assisted in propelling CBP’s goal to curb criminal organizations shipping drugs into the U.S., as per information from the release.
Miller said, "Fentanyl has contributed to more than 100,000 overdose deaths in the United States over the last two years, and far too many of us have friends, family members and colleagues who have been affected." He added, "We know that a common pathway for fentanyl precursor chemicals and pill presses to get into the hands of transnational criminal organizations is through small package shipments, especially in air cargo." Miller affirmed that "while screening these shipments is incredibly challenging, CBP will continue to work with the COAC to achieve our dual mission of facilitating economic growth and trade, while mitigating the risks that come with that growth."
