NEW YORK, NY May 27, 2008 —In a report released today, the Government Accountability Office concludes that there are not sufficient guarantees that importers are meeting voluntary security standards.

In the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, the Department of Homeland Security launched a Customs Trade partnership that has enrolled 8,000 companies from around the world. By joining the program, the companies ensure their cargo gets processed faster through US customs.

In exchange, the importers submit their internal security program for review. The GAO says what is needed now is a way to independently verify the companies follow their own protocols.