Customs Service:

Comments on the Customs Modernization and Informed Compliance Act

T-GGD-92-22: Published: Mar 10, 1992. Publicly Released: Mar 10, 1992.

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GAO discussed proposed legislation that would authorize a National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) to electronically process imported goods. GAO noted that NCAP would also establish NCAP goals to ensure that all customs regulations and rulings are administered and enforced in a manner that: (1) is uniform and consistent; (2) is minimally intrusive on the normal flow of business activity; and (3) improves compliance. GAO also noted that trade enforcement problems at Customs are due to: (1) a lack of clear objectives and implementation strategies; (2) widespread problems in its efforts to monitor and evaluate program performance; and (3) a lack of adequate information systems support.

Matters for Congressional Consideration

  1. Status: Closed - Not Implemented

    Comments: House staff did not amend H.R. 700 to explicitly require cost estimates. Staff indicate their intent to analyze costs and cost estimates as part of their monitoring of Customs implementation of the National Customs Automation Program.

    Matter: As part of its consideration of H.R. 3935, the Customs Modernization and Informed Compliance Act, Congress should amend Section 413(a)(1) within Section 201 of Title II to require that Customs develop cost estimates for bringing NCAP on line.

  2. Status: Closed - Implemented

    Comments: The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), P.L. 103-182, contained provisions related to NCAP. Specifically, the law: (1) established 3 broad program goals for NCAP; and (2) requires Customs to evaluate each component of NCAP; and (3) requires Customs to develop a user satisfaction survey for those participating in NCAP.

    Matter: As part of its consideration of H.R. 3935, Congress should amend section 413(a)(1) within Section 201 of Title II to require that Customs develop in conjunction with Congress and the trade community, measures of performance toward meeting the goals of NCAP, beginning with fiscal year 1992.

 

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