BRUSSELS - United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Robert C. Bonner submitted the United States’ “Declaration of Intent” to adopt the World Customs Organization (WCO) “Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade.” Yesterday the United States was among the first nations to join the WCO’s newly adopted strategy to secure global trade.

	Photo Credit: Gerald L. Nino

The WCO consists of 166 member nations, representing 99-percent of global trade. The Framework represents the WCO’s effort to secure supply chains throughout the world, while allowing trade to move faster, smoother, and more predictably. For the first time in history, a common set of standards will be implemented to secure cargo moving into, through, and from all ports of the world. It is a global response to terrorists, organized criminals, smugglers, as well as other illegal activities.

“The adoption by the WCO of the Framework of Standards represents a global response to the threat of terrorism. The Framework makes safer, worldwide trade a reality,” Commissioner Bonner stated. “Its implementation by customs authorities around the world will revolutionize the security of trade, dealing a blow to international terrorists.”

“Through efforts such as the Container Security Initiative, Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, and the 24-Hour Rule, CBP has taken unprecedented actions to secure America’s borders. Trade security must also be international in scope, and I applaud the WCO’s leadership in pursuing this global strategy,” Commissioner Bonner said.

Commissioner Bonner joined the Customs Director Generals of the European Union, Japan, Australia, and Canada in announcing their commitment to provide aid to the developing nations who exhibit the political will to implement the security Framework but, require assistance to do so. Bonner also announced the creation of the Capacity Building Division within the CBP Office of International Affairs to help developing nations implement the Framework of security standards. This new CBP office will work closely with the Directorate for Capacity Building at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.

“Nations who exhibit a true will to purchase screening technology and implement minimum security measures will need – and deserve – assistance,” Bonner said. “Implementing these standards will improve the flow of trade for these smaller, developing nations thereby expanding their economies and improving the quality of life.”