Importer Due Diligence Should Include Isotopic Testing, CBP Says
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has released comprehensive guidance on the importance of isotopic testing to enhance importer due diligence efforts. Isotopic testing, a scientific method that identifies the atomic structure of naturally occurring materials, has gained prominence for its effectiveness in verifying the growing region of certain commodities or products, particularly cotton. CBP’s guide underscores the valuable role of isotopic testing in helping importers understand their supply chains, demonstrate due diligence, and determine the source of raw materials in final products.
The guide elaborates on CBP’s utilization of light-stable isotopic analysis to identify risk in suspect supply chains, particularly in screening efforts related to high-risk cargo. With the agency’s commitment to bolstering its isotopic testing capabilities, including the enhancement of laboratories in Savannah, Los Angeles, and New York, CBP aims to conduct more tests and obtain results rapidly. However, acknowledging the vast scope of U.S. imports, CBP encourages private-sector isotopic testing as a crucial component of importer due diligence programs. Emphasizing the complexity and time-intensive nature of isotopic testing, CBP stresses the necessity of early testing, given its reliance on sophisticated instruments and analysis.
The guide outlines considerations for selecting a test provider, different testing methods, and essential data elements for test reports. CBP affirms that adherence to recommended standards will ensure the conformity of tests with best practices, guaranteeing higher accuracy in origin testing conducted as part of due diligence. Notably, CBP cautions against relying solely on isotopic testing, highlighting the imperative for a multifaceted approach to importer due diligence.
Isotopic testing, with its proven capability to trace raw materials back to their origin, is poised to play a pivotal role in importer due diligence, particularly in the context of compliance with forced labor import restrictions. Importers and industry stakeholders are urged to familiarize themselves with the intricacies and consider its integration into their due diligence protocols to fortify supply chain transparency and compliance efforts.
For more information please get in touch with the STR Team at supplychainvisibility@strtrade.com.
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Source: https://www.strtrade.com/trade-news-resources/str-trade-report/trade-report/november/importer-due-diligence-should-include-isotopic-testing-cbp-says
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