NCBFAA Gives Nod to Export Control System Modernization Measure

Ed Greenberg
Phone: (202) 342-5277

Peter H. Powell, Sr.
Phone: (781) 302-7300

Jon Kent
Phone: (202) 223-6222

For Immediate Release

Washington, DC: In testimony today before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade, National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America, Inc. (NCBFAA) Senior Counselor Peter H. Powell, Sr., expressed support for H.R. 5828,"Securing Exports Through Coordination and Technology Act of 2008."
        Mr. Powell said, "The legislation…strikes the correct balance between improving the enforcement of our nation’s export control laws and facilitating the ability of the private sector to export their product overseas."
        Introduced by Representatives Don Manzullo (R-IL) and Adam Smith (D-WA), the bill is designed to assist Automated Export System (AES) filers by providing a warning about restricted parties and embargoed countries. Additionally, it creates a licensure program to ensure that AES filers have the requisite knowledge and professionalism.
        Mr. Powell noted that by alerting exporters to the pitfalls of prohibited exports, the proposed measure will provide not only that exporters can avoid inadvertent or honest mistakes but also "that the filer, most often our [NCBFAA] member, will have the necessary additional resources to process export applications with greater confidence that they meet the letter of the law."
        "The legislation also provides assurance to the government that the filers of AES data have the requisite skills, knowledge and professionalism to merit this trust, by requiring filers to be licensed," he noted.
        To further this goal, Mr. Powell said, "Our Education Foundation [NCBFAA Educational Institute] will develop the curriculum to educate our members in order to qualify for a license and then to meet Census’ continuing education requirements."
        Headquartered in Washington, DC, the NCBFAA represents nearly 800 member companies with 100,000 employees in international trade - the nation's leading freight forwarders, customs brokers, ocean transportation intermediaries (OTIs), NVOCCs and air cargo agents, serving more than 250,000 importers and exporters. Established in 1897 in New York, NCBFAA is the effective national voice of the industry. Through its various committees, counsel and representatives, the Association maintains a close watch over legislative and regulatory issues that affect its members. It keeps them informed of these and other related issues through its weekly Monday Morning eBriefing and various meetings and conferences throughout the year.
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To review Counselor Powell's full testimony click here.