WASHINGTON -- The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is one of 40 trade associations signing a letter to Congress requesting a prototype program on the “10+2” rule proposed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
“The rule proposed by Customs requires 10 new categories of data on U.S. bound shipments 24 hours before loading in foreign ports,” said Catherine Robinson, Associate Director for High Tech Trade Policy. “That would add tremendous cost to U.S. manufacturing at a time when increasing global competition and a slowing domestic economy are creating new stresses on U.S.-based manufacturers from every sector. National security and trade facilitation need not be mutually exclusive. National security can be enhanced without impeding commerce.”
Robinson added that a prototype program would give customs an opportunity to assess security risks from implementation of the proposed rule without U.S. business having to make changes to their operations.
“A prototype program is the best method for evaluating the impact of the proposed rule and for identifying ways to improve the rule before the government and industry invest billions of dollars to comply,” Robinson said. “The proposed rule, which will create significant delays in the supply chain, will cost U.S. companies over $20 billion annually -- costs that will be passed down to the customer at a time when hard-working families can least afford it.
To view a copy of the letter, click here.
