see also: in December 2005 Press Releases:   New SENTRI/Dedicated Commuter Lane to Open at Calexico/Mexicali Port of Entry Thursday   CBP Border Patrol Agents Arrest Homicide Suspect   CBP Border Patrol Agent Saves Two Mexican Nationals From Drowning   One Ton of Marijuana Seized at Nogales Port of Entry   Another Child Smuggling Arrest at Hidalgo Port   CBP Border Patrol Seizes Over a Ton of Marijuana ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

contacts for this news release

WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Acting Commissioner Deborah Spero announces that the United States is now officially a contracting party to the Protocol of Amendment to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Convention on the Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures, which will go into effect on February 3, 2006. This Protocol of Amendment was the result of a five-year extensive review of the original 1973 Convention.

The Protocol of Amendment to the 1973 Convention represents a blueprint for modernized, efficient and transparent customs administrations in the 21st century. It is based on the principles of standardized and simplified procedures, improved customs control, risk management, maximum use of information technology and stronger partnerships between Customs and industry. Unlike the original 1973 Convention, the Revised Convention contains a body and General Annex with standards that are binding on all Parties.

“U.S. Customs and Border Protection, along with U.S. industry, took a lead role in this revision, which also included input from WCO member customs administrations, relevant government agencies in WCO member countries, international organizations and global industry,” said Acting Commissioner Spero. “The Revised Customs Convention will not only facilitate trade. Its role in advancing global security is even more significant today than ever envisioned in the pre-9/11 world in which it was drafted.”

Effective customs controls and risk management techniques embodied in this Convention complement U.S. homeland security initiatives and also serve as a foundation for the WCO Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade. Adopted unanimously by the WCO Members in June 2005, the WCO Framework of Standards provides global standards for supply chain security for implementation by the public and private sector that will secure international trade supply chains and facilitate the movement of goods globally.

The United States joins 40 other contracting states to the Revised WCO Convention. CBP will represent the U.S. at the first meeting of the Convention’s Management Committee on March 6-7, 2006, in Brussels, Belgium.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 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.