OIG found CBP did not fully meet the requirements of the STOP Act for exempting countries from sending advance electronic data with waivers and evaluating the imposition of penalties on the U.S. Postal Service for accepting mail without required advance electronic data.
An Office of Inspector General audit has found that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may increase the risk of dangerous goods being admitted into the United States due to shortcomings at International Mail Facilities (IMFs).
CBP plays a critical role in interdicting illegal drugs entering the United States through international mail. In 2018, Congress passed the Synthetics Trafficking and Overdose Prevention Act (STOP Act). This law requires the U.S. Postal Service to send CBP data about packages coming from countries outside the United States to help CBP identify mail that may contain opioids and other illicit goods.
OIG said IMFs faced challenges targeting mail and examining packages identified as potential threats, and CBP did not evaluate whether its screening was effective or refer problems to stakeholders for resolution. Additionally, OIG found CBP did not fully meet the requirements of the STOP Act for exempting countries from sending advance electronic data with waivers and evaluating the imposition of penalties on the U.S. Postal Service for accepting mail without required advance electronic data.