Larry (Dave) Fluty Assistant Commissioner | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
The United States has signed a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA) with El Salvador, aimed at enhancing border security and trade facilitation between the two nations. The agreement was formalized in San Salvador.
Troy Miller, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner, highlighted the significance of this partnership during the signing ceremony. "We value our partnership with El Salvador in pursuing our mutual goal of stronger borders and more efficient trade facilitation. This expands on our already close partnership on border security and trade efforts," he stated. He further added that this cooperation would enable safer and more secure trade benefiting consumers and businesses while deterring illegal activities at the borders.
The CMAA will facilitate information exchange and mutual assistance on customs offenses once it is operational, strengthening collaboration between the United States and El Salvador. This agreement reflects the commitment of both countries to address issues such as securing borders against terrorism, combating drug trafficking, and disrupting transnational criminal organizations.
Jerson Posada, Minister of Finance of El Salvador, emphasized the benefits for trade operators by stating: "These actions contribute to the simplification, automation and transparency of the import, export and transit processes of goods, which brings important benefits to trade operators, facilitating the clearance flows of their operations and promoting compliance with foreign trade regulations."
CMAAs are bilateral agreements enforced by respective customs administrations that provide a legal framework for exchanging information to assist in enforcing customs laws related to duty evasion, trafficking, proliferation, money laundering, and terrorism-related activities. In the United States, CBP along with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement are responsible for implementing these agreements.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is recognized as America's frontline law enforcement organization dedicated to protecting national security through various innovative measures while facilitating lawful travel and trade.
