Second, a supervisory structure was created to provide better management and accountability of international programs. Since 1995, International Affairs functioned with only one layer of supervision between staff employees and the Assistant Commissioner. To address this concern, the Office abolished several divisions and created a number of new branches. By adding a layer of supervision, the Office provides better coordination, management, accountability, as well as a vehicle for succession planning. "The consolidation of the Office of Foreign Operations and International Affairs presents an incredible opportunity to pool the energies and expertise of these organizations, and thus create synergy for advancing the programs and goals of the Customs Service globally," says Assistant Commissioner Douglas Browning, Office of International Affairs.

The new organization consists of the following divisions and branches:

Policy and Programs Division manages and coordinates Customs bilateral and multilateral trade activities with foreign governments. The Division sets policy, determines priorities, oversees strategy development for Customs trade issues with foreign countries, and coordinates with the Foreign Operations Division to provide guidance and assistance on non-case related activities to Customs Attachés.

• Organizations and Bilateral Programs Branch manages and coordinates U.S. Customs involvement in bilateral activities with foreign governments, which includes negotiating bilateral Customs mutual assistance agreements to ensure that all bilateral activities reflect the priorities of the U.S. Customs Service. Also represents U.S. Customs with international bodies, and coordinates with the Customs Attaché (Brussels) to develop U.S. Customs positions and strategies for presentations to the World Customs Organization, European Union, and the World Trade Organization.
• Regional Programs Branch manages and coordinates U.S. Customs participation with regional bodies, including the negotiation of multilateral mutual assistance agreements. The Branch coordinates U.S. Customs positions in trade negotiations and ensures the positions reflect Customs international strategy and the needs of the Customs Service and other federal agencies.
• Modernization Branch develops and establishes standardized, streamlined customs procedures for international implementation to reduce costs to government, industry, and to promote U.S. interests globally. The Branch develops, coordinates, and delivers specialized training for foreign Customs officials.

Training and Assistance Division coordinates and delivers U.S. Customs training and technical assistance to border control agencies worldwide.

• Law Enforcement Training Branch is responsible for short-term narcotics control, port security, and integrity assistance funded by the Department of State, Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, and coordination of all investigative training and assistance for foreign law enforcement agencies. It also coordinates training to combat money laundering, nuclear non-proliferation, cybercrime, firearms, and stolen vehicle trafficking.
• Assistance Projects Branch is responsible for the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of bilateral assistance projects by developing new initiatives and pursuing the establishment of long-term, on-site advisory arrangements by working with the nation being assisted and/or other entities.
• Advisory Programs Branch is responsible for the management of high priority Congressionally mandated programs designed to address international issues.

Administration and Program Support Division is responsible for managing, coordinating, and providing support to Headquarters and foreign offices in the following areas: budget, finance, planning, programs and office evaluations, computer technology, personnel, and logistics.

• Budget and Finance Branch is responsible for managing budget plans and financial issues. This includes formulating budget plans and monitoring the execution of both reimbursable and non-reimbursable budgets.
• Planning and Evaluation Branch is responsible for conducting planning and evaluations. This involves preparing annual international plans and long-term strategies to establish goals, objectives, and performance measurements. This Branch initiates and updates Customs directives and internal office procedures as needed for the purpose of improvement to international programs. It also coordinates conference planning for the Office of International Affairs.
• Technical and Administrative Support Branch is responsible for providing technical, administrative, and logistical support. This Branch also manages other administrative support areas for Headquarters and field employees, such as computer technology, property, security, labor and employee relations, and safety issues.

Foreign Operations Division is responsible for directing the activities of the foreign offices. The Division manages the personnel and financial resources, evaluates programs, and provides general support to the foreign field offices.

• Foreign Field Offices (Attachés) represent the U.S. Customs Service in foreign countries. They lead and coordinate the foreign law enforcement activities of the U.S. Customs Service. The Attachés are responsible for investigations, liaison, training coordination, infrastructure building, regulatory, and compliance functions within their areas of responsibility.

  The foreign field offices support the investigations of domestic offices and initiate investigations from foreign sources. The investigators work with foreign law enforcement counterparts to obtain information, evidence, and testimony for presentation in U.S. federal courts. The priority investigative program areas are smuggling, financial, strategic, trade fraud, and cybersmuggling.

  Attaché offices are currently located in the following locations: Bangkok, Thailand Beijing, PRC Berlin, Germany Bogota, Colombia Brussels - USEU/WCO Caracas, Venezuela Frankfurt, Germany Hong Kong, PRC London, England Manila, Philippines Mexico City, Mexico Hermosillo, Mexico Monterrey, Mexico Tijuana, Mexico Montevideo, Uruguay Moscow, Russia Ottawa, Canada Toronto, Canada Vancouver, Canada Panama City, Panama Paris, France INTERPOL Pretoria, South Africa Rome, Italy Sao Palo, Brazil Seoul, Korea Singapore Tokyo, Japan Vienna, Austria

  The foreign field offices support U.S. foreign policy initiatives in the area of international trade and law enforcement. Attachés coordinate training and modernization efforts to promote the development of foreign customs and to improve international trade facilitation and compliance. Attachés support the United States Trade Representative and other organizations in bilateral and multilateral negotiations concerning deregulation, protection of intellectual property rights, and harmonized Customs procedures to foster legitimate international trade. The Attachés also assist U.S. travelers, the international trade community, and the expatriate community by responding to numerous inquiries regarding U.S. import and export laws and procedures.

If you have any questions, please contact the Administration and Program Support Division on (202) 927-5840, or you may contact the Office of International Affairs at uscsinternational@customs.treas.gov.