Senators Ask Again for Trade Input on Customs Modernization

Four Senate Finance Committee members, two from each party, are asking the trade community to submit suggestions "in detail" on how they want the customs modernization trade facilitation planks improved.

Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., one of the authors of the letter, first asked for the trade to weigh in on a discussion draft a year and a half ago for customs modernization (see 2111030035). In the letter made public June 13, he asked traders to outline their views on eliminating redundant data requirements at entry, how ACE could be more of a true single window and how they would like to see CBP accept data from parties throughout the supply chain. The last idea is a core goal of CBP's in its modernization approach (see 2304260028).

The senators, including Sens. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn.; Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev.; and Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., also asked how the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism or pre-clearance programs at foreign ports could be improved to provide more trade facilitation to participants.

"As Congress deliberates updates to U.S. customs laws, how can we strike the appropriate balance between security/enforcement and trade facilitation? Please explain what economic benefits you would expect to see from suggested improvements for trade facilitation," they wrote.

The letter emphasized repeatedly that detailed answers would be most helpful. They asked that responses be sent to Gary_Haglund@cassidy.senate.gov by July 11.