see also: in March 2008:   Summer Months an Added Challenge for Border Patrol   Los Meses de Verano, un Reto Para la Patrulla Fronteriza   Border Patrol Agents Rescue 38 Illegal Aliens from Smuggling Attempt   Laredo North Station Border Patrol Agents Arrest MS-13 Member   Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Arrest 18th Street Gang Member   El Paso CBP Officers View HDTV: Hidden Drugs in TV Set   El Paso Border Patrol Agents Arrest Criminals with Extensive Records ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Washington — Cooperation between U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the General Administration of China Customs to enhance global supply chain security took a step forward last week with the start of a pilot validation program in China. The pilot involved three Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism importer partners whose supply chains predominately originate in China.

The U.S. companies were invited to participate in the pilot based upon several factors including volume, product type and location of their supply chains in China. They voluntarily agreed to participate in the pilot with the concurrence of both administrations.

China Customs headed the validation initiative using the C-TPAT minimum security criteria as a guide and with CBP supply chain specialists providing technical assistance.

The companies had been receiving minimum program benefits due to C-TPAT’s previous inability to validate the security procedures they have in place. Now C-TPAT will use the information gathered to decide whether they can receive a higher level of benefits.

Both agencies will jointly evaluate the pilot and determine next steps.

“It took several months of intense discussions to get to this point and we look forward to continuing this effort as we explore future cooperation,” said C-TPAT Director Bradd Skinner. “It is a win-win for all. CBP and China Customs have the knowledge that all parties involved have good security practices in place and the companies can benefit by receiving fewer exams.”

C-TPAT is an important layer in CBP’s cargo enforcement strategy. Through this initiative, CBP is asking businesses to ensure the integrity of their security practices and communicate and verify the security guidelines of their business partners within the supply chain.

Since 2003, C-TPAT has performed more than 7,200 total validations. In 2007, C-TPAT visited manufacturing and logistics facilities in 79 countries, validated 3,011 supply chains and certified 2,601 new members.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.