TUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. and Mexican government officials today announced the expansion of an innovative concept in which Customs and Border Protection and the Servicio de Administracion Tributaria (SAT) will perform outbound joint cargo clearance and examinations at Arizona’s Port of Nogales.
The Mariposa commercial inspection facility in Nogales has served as home to the initial proof-of-concept, which began on July 25, 2016. “The first phase has proven to work, and we don’t want to lose momentum in this joint venture,” said CBP’s Tucson Director of Field Operations William K. Brooks. “Both countries and the trade communities are benefiting from this innovative process. It only makes sense to enhance the pilot program by adding the outbound component.”
It is anticipated that by conducting joint outbound cargo processing, CBP and SAT will reduce cargo inspections and wait times at the border. This will in turn lower the cost of doing business in the region and enhance national security for both countries.