The U.S. Congress has fixed its attention on supply chain security issues. These could mean a range of new cargo security requirements may take effect in the coming months.

In early October, the congress approved the SAFE Port Act of 2006 (H.R. 4954). H.R. 4954, builds upon existing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) programs, such as the Container Security Initiative (CSI) and the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT).

The bill authorizes $400 million a year over five years for port security grants, as well as a total of $443 million for CSI and $212 million for C-TPAT.
The legislation creates an Office of Cargo Security Policy within DHS, along with a DHS Director of Trade Policy, and an Office of International Trade within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It also requires DHS to issue a strategic plan on supply chain security and to develop protocols for post-incident resumption of trade.

For overview of SAFE Port Act, see attached document.

For more information visit www.cbp.gov