hkskyline
June 27th, 2005, 05:41 AM
Nearly 100 Nations Sign Pact To Tighten Customs Checks
24 June 2005
BRUSSELS (AP)--Some 100 nations signed on Friday to new customs standards designed to improve the flow of trade and boost security.
Led by the U.S., the European Union, Japan and China, the countries signing on to the new standards will apply similar inspection rules, bringing a degree of uniformity to an area long-characterized by widely varying regulations. With similar standards, it is hoped, will come improved security at border crossings, airports and sea ports.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Robert Bonner said the deal, reached during talks at the 166-nation member World Customs Organization, was a "major breakthrough" in getting global customs authorities to coordinate their work.
"The threat of global terrorism is still with us," said Bonner. "A truly global response is needed."
The new standards are not legally binding, but Bonner said business groups, most of which back the initiative, were putting pressure on countries to implement the new rules.
"The reality is nearly 100 countries have made a commitment whether this is legally binding or not," said Bonner.
Bonner said the deal includes inspections of outbound cargo, a key demand made by Washington since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The standards also ensure customs officers use the latest available equipment and training.
The WCO agreement also provides technical and financial aid to poorer member countries, which have said that they don't have the resources or manpower to carry out the added inspections.
"This offer of assistance to less developed countries was a visible demonstration of the solidarity and spirit of cooperation," said WCO Secretary General Michel Danet.
24 June 2005
BRUSSELS (AP)--Some 100 nations signed on Friday to new customs standards designed to improve the flow of trade and boost security.
Led by the U.S., the European Union, Japan and China, the countries signing on to the new standards will apply similar inspection rules, bringing a degree of uniformity to an area long-characterized by widely varying regulations. With similar standards, it is hoped, will come improved security at border crossings, airports and sea ports.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Robert Bonner said the deal, reached during talks at the 166-nation member World Customs Organization, was a "major breakthrough" in getting global customs authorities to coordinate their work.
"The threat of global terrorism is still with us," said Bonner. "A truly global response is needed."
The new standards are not legally binding, but Bonner said business groups, most of which back the initiative, were putting pressure on countries to implement the new rules.
"The reality is nearly 100 countries have made a commitment whether this is legally binding or not," said Bonner.
Bonner said the deal includes inspections of outbound cargo, a key demand made by Washington since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The standards also ensure customs officers use the latest available equipment and training.
The WCO agreement also provides technical and financial aid to poorer member countries, which have said that they don't have the resources or manpower to carry out the added inspections.
"This offer of assistance to less developed countries was a visible demonstration of the solidarity and spirit of cooperation," said WCO Secretary General Michel Danet.