CBP Commissioner Committed to Repairing Strained Trade Relationship, Lists His Goals
In his first major speech to the trade community on June 7, 2010, recently appointed U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Alan Bersin discussed where he thinks the agency currently is, and where he expects it to be in the future.
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Committed to Repairing Strained Relationship with Trade
Bersin emphasized that he is committed to repairing the relationship between the trade and CBP. Bersin feels as if there has been a strain in the relationship and he hopes that he can work towards repairing that relationship. He noted that he may not always agree with the trade, but wants to always be able to talk candidly and partner with the trade. He says that part of this will include the agency listening before it acts and not acting before it has listened. He hopes to avoid situations similar to that of the First Sale proposed rule.
No Group Will Have a Monopoly on Communication
Bersin said that he will continue to work with COAC and respects the group; however, this will not be the only group or organization that he uses to communicate with the trade. He said that no group will be given an exclusive monopoly on information/communication with CBP; he wants to communicate with as many people as possible.
Trade and Security Go Hand-in-Hand
Bersin noted that the terrorist attacks of September 11th affected CBP's mission and that the primary goal of the agency is to protect U.S. citizens. However, he believes that trade and security go hand-in-hand and he propositioned the trade to help improve security.
Bersin Wants to "Segment Customers" and Focus on Problem 10%
Bersin stated that in order to improve trade security, there needs to be a focus on risk management. In order to help manage risks, he wants to move towards a "segmentation of customers." He wants to segment out the trusted shippers/trade members and focus on the people that they have insufficient or derogatory information on.
According to Bersin, 90% of problems are caused by 10% of the trade; therefore, he wants to focus 90% of CBP's resources on that 10% of the non-compliant trade, with the remaining 10% of the resources being allocated to the 90% of the trade that is compliant. He believes that this reallocation of resources could help expedite the movement of trusted shipper/trade goods.
Idea of Segmentation Not New, But New Determination to Operationalize It Is
Bersin noted that his idea to segment the trade is not new; however, his determination to operationlize the idea is. He added that he felt as if the trade needed to be involved in the efforts that CBP will make to operationalize it. This includes getting more people involved in programs like C-TPAT and Global Entry. These two programs help CBP by allowing them to identify cargo and people where CBP resources are less needed.
Three Goals for the Future
Bersin outlined the following goals for the future:
Revitalizing trusted shipper/traveler programs.
Looking at borders as areas for secure flows of people and goods. In order to achieve this, pre-clearance is important (whether it be via C-TPAT or the CSI program).
Improving targeting on the trade side and facilitate trade. He added that he would like the trade to be able to see what is happening with the data that is sending to CBP.