Cargo Imports: Customs Needs To Better Assure Compliance With Trade Laws and Regulations
GGD-86-136
Published: Sep 08, 1986. Publicly Released: Oct 08, 1986.
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Highlights
In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Customs Service's cargo inspection process to determine whether the process ensured adequate enforcement of U.S. import laws.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of the Treasury | To assist Customs in ensuring that cargo entering this country is in compliance with import requirements, the Secretary of the Treasury should direct the Commissioner of Customs to develop specific policies and procedures for inspectors to use for determining the intensity of cargo examinations. Customs should base the degree of intensity on the risk of the shipment and the purpose of the examination. |
Closed – Not Implemented
GAO questioned Customs allowing the intensity of the cargo examination to be determined by the inspector's judgment. This has not changed; however, Customs' Automated Commercial System (ACS) directs the inspector to the items based on risk and other data sorted in ACS. Because of ACS capabilities, the policies and procedures envisioned in the GAO report are no longer applicable.
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Topics
Customs administrationImport regulationImportingInspectionTariffsTrade regulationAirportsMedical examinationsNarcoticsAgricultural commodities