CRS Reports US Ports Vulnerable to Terror Attacks and Illegal Shipments

The Congressional Research Service has released a report "U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Trade Facilitation, Enforcement, and Security" pointing out weakeness in Customs enforcement of anti-terror security measures as well as interdiction of other contraband.

According to the report, "How effectively CBP has performed its import policy mission is a matter of some debate. Some participants in CBP’s 'trusted trader' programs argue that the concessions CBP provides at the border do not adequately justify the effort and expense participants undergo to certify their supply chains with CBP. Questions have also been raised about CBP’s management of trade facilitation. Some critics also assert that CBP has not adequately fulfilled its trade enforcement role, especially its duties for preventing illegal transshipments, protecting U.S. intellectual property rights, and collecting duties. Still others criticize CBP’s performance of its security functions, especially because it does not yet physically scan 100% of maritime cargo as mandated by the SAFE Port Act of 2006, as amended." The full report is available by clicking here.