U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is developing a machine learning system to analyze shipments in large quantities, identify potential forced labor, and flag shipments that are eligible for detention.
Kellie Gerstmyer and Natasha Llewellyn represented Green Worldwide Shipping at the 2023 Trade Facilitation and Cargo Summit last week, where this topic was discussed.
“The process is currently very manual, utilizing spreadsheets and email. These modernizations are most welcome for CBP and the trade.”
Kellie Gerstmyer, Green Worldwide East Coast Compliance Manager
Currently, U.S. ports manually track detained ocean shipments due to potential forced labor involvement. CBP automation of this process will improve accuracy with the goal of eliminating forced labor in supply chains.
“We will start to see enhanced efforts to verify trusted trader identities and provide validation to sustain CBP’s forced labor mitigation efforts.”
Natasha Llewellyn, Manager of Claims and Vendor Management
CBP STREAMLINES ADDITIONAL PROCEDURES
CBP is also creating a Federal Register notice to importers that will inform them that seizures and forfeitures will be handled simultaneously. This replaces the current procedure that includes a notice of seizure that grants the importer 30-40 days to file a petition before CBP sends the forfeiture for processing. Combining these processes will increase efficiencies while CBP confronts an ever-increasing workload.
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