Acting Commissioner Aguilar Participates in Customs Conference in Uruguay

Punte Del Este, Uruguay — U.S. Customs and Border Protection Acting Commissioner David V. Aguilar yesterday participated in the Regional Conference of Customs Directors General (RCCDG) for the Americas and Caribbean. At the Conference, the 48 customs administrations and organizations of the RCCDG unanimously adopted a resolution to develop a regional strategy to implement Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) programs, based on the World Customs Organization’s SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade.

AEO programs promote international trade and economic development by giving ‘trusted trader’ status to businesses that demonstrate a commitment to ensuring a safe, secure and resilient global supply chain. The resolution, adopted yesterday, focuses on a unified approach to trade within the region through enhanced cooperation and coordination.

Through these public-private partnerships, CBP continues to ensure the security of our Nation’s borders, while facilitating and expediting trade among regional partners in the Americas.

The RCCDG is a group of 48 customs administrations and organizations within the Western Hemisphere that was created in 1995 to establish regional priorities and identify customs and border management issues of importance.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.