The Cargo Security Working Group

The goal of the Cargo Security Working Group is to develop and implement screening methods for goods and cargo prior to departure from a foreign port and at the first point of entry in North America. To achieve this goal, a number of initiatives are being undertaken under four main areas of activity:

• Developing and expanding upon joint public-private partnerships to secure the supply chain of goods arriving in North America and expedite the movement of low-risk goods within North America.
• Developing standards, technologies and processes that emphasize risk management, a layered approach to supply chain security and the expedited movement of low-risk commerce
• Ensuring national and international export control systems so that North American countries are not used as a means to divert sensitive American, Canadian or Mexican goods or technologies to a prohibited country or end-user.
• Developing and phasing in a plan to control the import and export of nuclear and radioactive materials, consistent with International Atomic Energy Agency radioactive source guidelines.

Major accomplishments include:

• The expansion of the Free and Secure Trade program to support moving pre-approved, eligible goods quickly across the border and verifying trade compliance beyond the border.
• Support to countries that have less-developed import/export control systems to help them meet the World Customs Organization Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade.

Continuing work includes:

• The development of a Canada-U.S. data sharing agreement to address export control issues.
• Tripartite exchanges of Canadian, Mexican and U.S. customs officers to compare cargo data assessment techniques and information-sharing protocols for high-risk shipments.
• Expanding the use of radiological and nuclear detection equipment in major commercial and passenger ports of entry into North America.