CBP Access is a digital news page developed by the Office of Congressional Affairs for Members of Congress and staff. If you would like to receive an e-mail when a new CBP Access update is available, please sign up for CBP Access update notifications.
Trade Enforcement | 2024.01
CBP remains vigilant of the threat of criminal networks and bad actors attempting to take advantage of the complexity of global supply chains to hide illicit activity, including forced labor, intellectual property violations, and the shipment of illicit drugs like fentanyl. This CBP Access update highlights just some of the strategies and programs that CBP has implemented to strengthen its enforcement posture and improve the facilitation of lawful and essential trade.
Biometrics | 2022.09
DHS – and by extension, CBP – is statutorily mandated to develop and implement an integrated, automated entry and exit data system to match records, including biographic data and biometrics, of noncitizens entering and departing the United States. This CBP Access update highlights CBP’s latest biometric technology enhancements and processes that increase border security, protect the privacy of travelers, and integrate with current travel infrastructure.
Trade Facilitation, Cargo Security | 2022.08
July and August were hallmark months for CBP’s trade facilitation and enforcement mission starting with the agency’s first CBP Trade Facilitation and Cargo Security Summit in Anaheim, California. With more than 3,000 attendees from across the trade community – 1,000 on-site and 2,000 virtually – it was the first time since the pandemic that CBP was able to hold a trade event of this magnitude.
Operational Update | 2022.07
CBP is committed to being a leader in law enforcement accountability and transparency. As part of its ongoing efforts to improve data transparency and access, CBP’s July 2022 operational update coincided with the reorganization of the CBP.gov Stats and Summaries webpage and launch of the CBP Public Data Portal.
Ian Saunders, Intended U.S. Nominee for WCO Secretary General | 2022.06
Following CBP's announcement of its intent to nominate Deputy Assistant Secretary Ian Saunders for World Customs Organization (WCO) Secretary General, this CBP Access update provides a primer on the WCO and how CBP is leading enforcement and facilitation efforts in the global customs community.
Summer Travel Season Tip | 2022.05
In preparation for the approaching summer travel season, this CBP Access update shares the latest international travel guidance as well as helpful tips to minimize delays and improve the cross-border travel experience.
Commissioner Spotlight | 2022.04
From his first day as CBP’s Commissioner, Chris Magnus has been focused on building relationships and strengthening support for CBP’s mission, activities, and its dedicated workforce. With a long, personal history of law enforcement, public service, and leadership, Commissioner Magnus deeply understands the value of people and partnerships.
Rescue Operations | 2022.03
The human smuggling business is all about profit. Human smugglers or “coyotes,” who promise people that they will safely guide them to a destination, often abandon their human cargo at some point, leaving them to fend for themselves and continue their illegal and dangerous journey with insufficient supplies and information.
Super Bowl, Agriculture Inspections | 2022.02
CBP may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about high-profile events like the Super Bowl or traditional holidays like Valentine's Day, but this past month, CBP played a central — albeit behind-the-scenes — role in both events, working hard to protect the American public and keep American industry and business thriving.
Operational Update | 2022.01
CBP’s broad and complex mission is not only vital to the security and safety of our country, but also integral to the recovery and growth of our economy. On January 3, 2022, CBP released agency statistics for Fiscal Year 2021 covering all major areas of operations, including international travel and trade, forced labor enforcement, drug seizures, and national border encounter statistics.
E-Commerce | 2021.03
Counterfeit goods pose real dangers to consumer health and safety and jeopardize the U.S. economy by eroding the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers and workers. In Fiscal Year 2020, CBP personnel nationwide seized 26,503 shipments containing counterfeit goods estimated to be worth nearly $1.3 billion had they been genuine.
Land Port of Entry Operations | 2021.02
CBP operations at the nation’s land ports of entry are critical to ensure safe and efficient travel across our borders. Before the COVID-19 global pandemic, CBP officers would process nearly a million travelers every day. As international travel begins to return to normal levels, CBP is prepared to welcome and facilitate travelers, while maintaining the highest standards of security.
Trade Update | 2021.01
CBP's trade mission is not only a critical component of national security, it is a significant driving force of the country’s economic prosperity. CBP processes more than $2.3 trillion of imports every year, generating billions of dollars of critical government revenue. CBP is committed to its complex dual role while enforcing nearly 500 U.S. trade laws and regulations on behalf of 49 different partner government agencies.