Customs Service: Acceptance of Centralized Cargo Examinations Varies
GGD-90-24
Published: Dec 22, 1989. Publicly Released: Dec 22, 1989.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Customs Service's Centralized Examination Stations (CES) Program, which requires importers to take their goods to central locations for Customs examination, focusing on the: (1) perceived program costs and benefits; (2) degree to which the importing community accepted CES; (3) the program's impact on segments of the importing community; and (4) answers to legal questions involving adherence to legal requirements and the permissible use of funds from the merchandise processing fees.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of the Treasury | To provide a basis for assessing program performance and to support decisionmaking, the Secretary of the Treasury should require the Commissioner of Customs to systematically evaluate CES program effectiveness. |
Customs developed an implementation plan to conduct periodic industry surveys on program effectiveness. The first survey was conducted in early 1991.
|
| Department of the Treasury | The Secretary of the Treasury should direct the Commissioner of Customs to ensure that fees are reasonable at CES by amending Customs Directive 3270-03 to provide guidance as to how and when districts should evaluate CES-related fees. |
Customs Directive 3270-03, superceded by 3270-05, dated August 31, 1990, provides guidance in evaluating CES fees. In addition, Customs is issuing a handbook for the evaluation process. Customs management is currently reviewing the proposed handbook.
|
| Department of the Treasury | The Secretary of the Treasury should direct the Commissioner of Customs to amend Customs Directive 3270-03 to require uniform written agreements between Customs and CES operators that specify mutual responsibilities and liabilities of the parties. |
Customs Directive 3270-03, superceded by 3270-05, dated August 31, 1990, requires written agreements and specifies responsibilities and liabilities of Customs and CES operators. An accomplishment report will be done after the first recommendation is fully implemented.
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Topics
Administrative costsCentralizationCustoms administrationFeesGovernment liability (legal)Staff utilizationImport regulationImportingInspectionProgram evaluation