U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), an agency of the Homeland Security Dept., has proposed regulations to obtain advance information concerning shipments of goods across U.S. borders.

The proposal would implement cargo security provisions in the Trade Act of 2002.
Under the proposal, CBP would run cargo data through an automated targeting system linked to various law enforcement databases. The agency said that many shipments today are admitted into the U.S. without this automated targeting because cargo data is received in paper format upon arrival to the U.S. As a consequence, the process for assessing risks associated with these shipments cannot be done prior to arrival at the border, which makes cross-border movement slower and less efficient.
Trucks using the FAST (Free and Secure Trade) System would have to submit cargo information no later then 30 minutes before arrival at the U.S. port of entry. The pre-notification requirement would be one hour for those using PAPS (Pre-Arrival Processing System).
Data on export truck cargo would have to be received no later than one hour prior to the arrival of the truck at the border. However, U.S. exports to Canada would not be subject to advance electronic cargo information submission under this proposal unless the merchandise is licensable by Department of State or Department of Defense regulations or the merchandise is transiting Canada with a third country destination.
Written comments must be received on or before Aug. 22, 2003. The notice, including comment instructions and discussion, appeared in the July 23 Federal Register, which can be accessed at www.gpoaccess.gov.