DHS Sets Ethical Standards Restricting Participation of CBP Employees in Trade

The Department of Homeland Security issued on Feb. 5 final regulations setting supplemental standards of ethical conduct for its employees. The agency’s final rule (here) includes provisions requiring employees to report allegations of waste, fraud and abuse. For CBP employees, it prohibits any employment or activities in support of or on behalf of a customs broker, carrier, bonded warehouse, foreign-trade zone board, cartman, customs law firm, or business related to importation, exportation or agriculture matters related to CBP’s mission. It also requires any CBP employee to report to CBP if their spouse or dependent is engaged in such activities.