Possible Increase of Exams on Deemed “High Risk” Shipments

Issue 016, June 01, 2007

On May 31, 2007, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) implemented updated enhancements to their internal data systems that may cause an increase in the number of intensive examinations of identified “high risk” shipments.

Risk assessment is an analytical process that is used to determine both actual and acceptable levels of risk. Risk assessment factors CBP takes into account potentially include- type of goods being imported, import patterns, country of origin/export, previous examination results, transportation routes and modes of transport, etc.

Concurrently, the above referenced enhancements should resolve issues involving permit to transfer (PTT) and consolidated shipments moving on-bond under one master bill of lading. With the new functionality, risk assessments will be conducted on individual shipments rather than being linked to other shipments under the master bill of lading.

Further enhancements are being contemplated and when changes take place, CBP states they will update the trade community in a timely manner.

Please contact a local U.S. CBP port office if you have any questions on this matter.