click for hi-res During the event, agency heads worked to develop a “one U.S. government” approach to partnerships with the trade. Photo Credit: Donna Burton

The Border Interagency Executive Council provides agencies with border authority with a high-level forum to resolve issues pertaining to interagency collaboration. Effective, integrated government actions at the border streamline the import process, facilitating trade for low-risk shipments while allowing government resources to focus on high-risk shipments.

A cornerstone of this effort is improved information sharing; by providing a framework for exchanging of information while protecting the information from unauthorized disclosure. A key vehicle for exchanging information is the “single window” vision that would provide all parties involved in trade and transport access to standardized information and documents with a single entry point to fulfill all import, export, and transit-related regulatory requirements. Discussions during the September 21 meeting highlighted CBP's efforts in this area and identified the varying ways the other government agencies are included in the efforts toward a “single window.”

click for hi-res Deputy Commissioner Aguilar speaks with Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) at the BIEC. Photo Credit: Donna Burton

During the event, agency heads worked to develop a “one U.S. government” approach to partnerships with the trade. Trusted trader programs provide incentives to importers who have the internal controls necessary to ensure a high-level of compliance with trade laws. By working cooperatively with its federal partners to jointly implement and monitor these programs, CBP expects to reduce the universe of shipments that require inspection or review at the border.

A key underpinning to the “one U.S. government” approach is to move from paper to electronic filings required for commodities regulated by each agency in a central location. Early electronic filings by trade can significantly shorten agency review time and provide an initial indication if certain requirements are met. These electronic filings are key to better facilitating movement of legitimate goods, and minimizing reporting burdens for trade.