World Customs Organization Approves Plan to Tighten Cargo Security

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he Department of Homeland Security said that the World Customs Organization had endorsed a plan, based upon principles designed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, that could standardize how cargo is secured and moved worldwide.

The WCO represents 164 Customs administrations from around the world and accounts for 99% of all global trade, Homeland said in a statement.

Although each of WCO's member nations must decide individually whether to adopt the standards, Thursday’s 22-0 vote by committee members makes the widespread adoption of the standards likely, the Wall Street Journal reported.

"The action taken today by the WCO will, not only build a system that enhances the flow of legitimate trade, but it builds a global security system --- growing all economies, strengthening international partnerships, and securing the world against terrorism," Customs Commissioner Robert Bonner said in a statement.

The plan calls for countries to develop advanced information on shipments, set up targeting systems to identify high-risk containers and arrange for security searches at foreign ports.

Homeland said WCO’s policy committee also endorsed creation of an agency to help poor and developing countries to meet the security standards.

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