January 25, 2002 

The following article is excerpted from "The Detroit News" of 25 January 2002. [US] Customs Commissioner Robert Bonner said swapping inspection locations with Canada at northern crossing points such as the Ambassador Bridge would be complex and require legislative changes, but he considers it a "potential option to alleviate cross border congestion and increased security." Bonner said a bi-national working group he created with Robert Wright, commissioner of the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, would consider the possibility of a reverse inspection program. 

The group, which gathers every six weeks, met Thursday in Florida. The reverse-inspection idea is being pushed by bridge and tunnel operators, as well as government officials, as a way to bolster the security of the two countries and the infrastructure itself.... Checking vehicles before they cross is a "complex matter" because the United States and Canada would have to sort out enforcement and liability issues, Bonner said this week .... "Effective Customs enforcement of U.S. law on Canadian territory would require legislative change to Canadian law," Bonner said. "Moreover, before implementing this concept, it would be necessary for the U.S. Customs Service to have the same legal authority and ability to enforce U.S. law as they would if they were clearing on the U.S. side of the border. 

This would most probably require U.S. legislation as well." Canada Customs spokeswoman Colette Gentes-Hawn said the two countries may instead just agree to expand prescreening programs for frequent travelers and known cargo carriers who could file advanced paperwork to move more quickly through express lanes.