CBP, Bahrain Sign Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has announced the signing of a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement between the Customs agencies of the U.S. and Bahrain, which will provide the legal framework for the bilateral exchange of enforcement and other information between the two customs authorities.
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This CMAA marks the 65th agreement of its kind between CBP and foreign customs agencies.
CMAA Establishes Framework for Customs-to-Customs Info Sharing, Etc.
The CMAA establishes a framework for customs-customs technical assistance, information sharing, and law enforcement cooperation to facilitate greater trade and prevent transshipments and other customs crimes.
As the volume of trade increases around the world, so do incidences of transnational crime. The CMAAs are a vital tool for fighting crime and facilitating legitimate trade. They reflect continuing cooperation between the U.S. and signatory governments on a wide variety of trade issues that are enforced by the respective customs administrations.
CMAA Will Assist in Gathering Evidence for Cases Involving Trade Fraud
The CMAA will assist in the gathering of evidence for criminal and civil cases involving trade fraud, money laundering, violations of export control laws, and drug smuggling. It will also permit the two countries’ customs agencies to exchange information and provide mutual assistance on a range of other issues, including combating terrorism and human trafficking.
(In June 1967, the World Customs Organization (WCO) adopted a model bilateral convention on mutual administrative assistance for its members to implement as part of a national customs policy. CBP has used this model as a basis for negotiating customs mutual assistance arrangements with other customs administrations since joining the WCO in 1970. Domestic and foreign courts then recognize each arrangement as a legal basis for wide-ranging cooperation.)