Homeland Security, World Customs Organization

Statement by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on the Unanimous Vote by the World Customs Organization to Implement a Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade.

I am pleased by the World Customs Organization’s (WCO) decision to adopt a common set of cargo security standards for its 166 member nations. Because of this historic and unanimous vote, virtually all of the world’s trade will eventually be screened by standards originally established by the Department of Homeland Security, through the Container Security Initiative and the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism. These two programs were developed with guidance and expertise from the private sector and they demonstrate that security, when applied correctly, actually facilitates legitimate trade. By harnessing advanced technology and coordinating risk-based security methods, the United States and the WCO can further streamline the flow of low-risk trade and greatly enhance global screening capabilities. I am confident that the WCO’s decision will ultimately benefit the global business community as much as it will further our common security goals.

Sourxe: ### For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary Contact: 202-282-8010 June 24, 2005 Press Releases Related Information Making Secure Worldwide Trade a Reality more at Homeland Security or Michael Chertoff