CBP, Mexico Launch Joint Cargo Processing Pilot at Nogales Port of Entry

CBP and Mexico’s Tax Administration Service (SAT) on July 25 started a 90-day joint cargo processing pilot at the Nogales, Arizona, Mariposa Port of Entry, which will include coordinated cargo clearance inspections, in hopes of speeding up the movement of international cargo, according to a CBP press release. “The sharing of resources with Mexico will improve movement of commercial goods by eliminating redundant inspections and reducing wait times,” CBP Tucson (Arizona) Director of Field Operations William Brooks said in a statement. “This is a monumental and historical shift in the collaboration between CBP and SAT.” The program is geared toward members of the Free and Secure Trade (FAST), CBP said. Completed cargo evaluations will serve as a single export and import inspection for Mexico and the U.S., and CBP will explore options to expand the concept if the program is successful, the agency said. The U.S. and Mexican governments are conducting other joint customs pilots at Laredo (Texas) International Airport and the Otay-Otay Mesa crossing in Baja California, Mexico (see 1510160020). The U.S. and Mexico plan to launch another customs pilot in San Jeronimo, Mexico, in the spring (see 1607220048).