CBP Warns of New Budget Environment During Meetings with Trade Groups

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Acting Commissioner David Aguilar met with members of the trade community on April 9 and 10, 2012, telling them CBP is seeking joint solutions to improve the agency’s operations and maintain the country’s economic competitiveness, said a CBP website. Aguilar met with the American Association of Exporters and Importers, the Retail Industry Leaders Association and National Association of Manufacturers, said CBP.

Transforming CBP

The roundtable discussions are designed to provide an informal setting for agency officials and trade association leaders to discuss issues and share mutual concerns. “We are looking to find more efficient ways of doing business, building partnerships, and transforming CBP,” said Aguilar, who opened the meeting with an overview of the agency’s budget, according to CBP. “The government is going to be a little tighter for the next few years, and we appreciate your input as we move forward.”

Seeks Input on Centers of Excellence and Expertise

Aguilar, who hosted the meetings with his senior staff at CBP’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., said “We feel that these kinds of exchanges, this kind of interaction is critically important to keep us moving down the path of what we started a couple of years ago, and that is transforming the way we do business with the business community, making sure that at every opportunity we co-create the direction we are headed in."

Aguilar discussed the Centers of Excellence and Expertise, industry specific centers designed to help facilitate trade and enhance CBP’s enforcement efforts. The first two centers, for the pharmaceutical and electronics industries, were established in October 2011. The centers provide a central point of contact for answering inquiries and resolving industry-related issues. “One of the thoughts I had is if you’re looking for consistency in operation, the centers could drive that consistency," said Douglas Browning, Global Customs Counsel for General Motors and a member of NAM. "If you’re looking for uniformity, they can drive that uniformity.” Aguilar said he would appreciate input from NAM on what NAM members would like to see in the centers.

Trusted Shipper Programs Also Addressed

The group’s discussion included a range of other topics such as the agency’s efforts toward simplifying the entry process for shipments coming into the U.S., automating and modernizing the import process, CBP’s trusted shipper programs, the role of brokers in these programs, and the Beyond the Border initiatives that are designed to enhance facilitation of goods and security between the U.S. and Canada.