Story ID: 
U.S. Customs Streamlining Genav Inspection Processes
By: James Wynbrandt
Caption: Internal system modernization at CBP is speeding development of initiatives aimed at streamlining general aviation’s border inspection processes.
Word Count: 177
A “radical” internal system modernization at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is speeding development of initiatives aimed at streamlining general aviation’s border inspection processes, according to CPB general aviation program manager Eric Rodriguez. The initiatives include an upgraded, systemized inspection worksheet that “walks the officer through specific points we want to touch, nothing more, nothing less,” and a channel for “systematic processing of enforcement actions” aimed at removing “port discretion” in assessing penalties, Rodriguez said.

“Policy is based on regulations,” and inspections and enforcement actions should be spelled out and applied uniformly, he said. The office is also completing a new “General Aviation Operators Guide” aligned with CBP’s internal manuals, “so your guide or [electronic copy] in your tablet will be consistent with the internal guidance the officer has.” Rodriguez emphasized that these initiatives rely on operators’ compliance with all reporting requirements and urged operators to ensure “what’s going to show up [on the ramp when you arrive at customs for inspection] is exactly what you told us.”