NEWS Alert

U.S. Customs and Border Protection “CBP” has adopted a Final Rule, which will incorporate, with some changes, the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”) published in the Federal Register on November 19, 2009. The proposed rule in the NPRM would establish the Global Entry as an ongoing voluntary regulatory program.

This program is consistent with The Department of Homeland Security’s new commitment to a “risk management” approach to countering threats and allows CBP to:

1. Expedite clearance of preapproved low-risk air travelers arriving in the United States.
2. Facilitate the movement of pre-approved, low-risk air travelers arriving in the United States.
3. Provide an expedited process for pre-approved, low-risk air travelers by allowing them to proceed directly to automated Global Entry kiosks upon arrival to the United States.

Though it is intended for frequent international travelers, there is no minimum number of trips necessary to qualify for the program. CBP anticipates that the Global Entry program eventually will be expanded to operate at most major international airport locations within the United States. However, the program will be limited to the twenty airports that have participated in the Global Entry Pilot.

However, there were several minor changes to the NPRM (see Section III B), the most significant being that minors under the age of 14 are now permitted to apply to the Global Entry Program. These changes are to be effective as of March 7, 2012.

For further information or questions regarding the Final Rule, contact Glenn Wicks or Ronce Almond at (202) 457-7790.