21st Century Customs Framework (21CCF)

A Transformative Approach for the Future of Trade

Since the last comprehensive trade legislation reforms in 1993, growth in e-commerce, rapid technological change, and the continued expansion of the global marketplace have significantly altered how trade is conducted. As these shifts continue to accelerate and evolve, it is imperative for the U.S. Government to act now to pursue transformational reforms that set the stage for sustainable industry success in the 21st Century and beyond. ​ ​CBP’s 21st Century Customs Framework (21CCF) provides a structured modernization approach that will enable the U.S. Government to address modern trade challenges, leverage emerging opportunities, and achieve transformational long-term change. ​

Mission Statement

Develop legal and operational changes that embrace 21st Century processes and emerging technologies to better secure national and economic security, enhance data integrity, account for emerging actors and business practices, and better facilitate trade by reducing financial and administrative burdens and constraints in customs transactions.

Our Future Vision

To be a change agent for the business of global trade; enabling an agile, efficient, data-driven, interconnected, and secure customs enterprise for the 21st Century and beyond.

Our Foundational Pillars

Based on the inputs provided by trade stakeholders during two public comment periods and a public meeting, CBP has developed five foundational pillars. These pillars serve as our guiding principals for all 21CCF modernization initiatives and activities. ​

How We Are Driving Change​

​CBP is pursuing three key actions, grounded in 21CCF’s foundational pillars, to enable a new world of trade:​

1. ​Achieve end-to-end supply chain transparency— leverage data and technology to gain increased visibility throughout the supply chain, expediting entry processes and stamping out violative actions​

2. Drive data centric decision making— improve data sharing capabilities to enable real-time, data driven decisions by CBP and the trade community​

3. Diversify reasonable care standards— collect the right data, from the right parties, at the right time, improving data quality and eliminating single points of failure​

Get in Touch With Us!​

To achieve the 21st Century Customs Framework vision of the future, we need your innovative expertise, continued collaboration, and fearless advocacy! ​

Inputs from industry stakeholders and trade subject matter experts served as the foundation for the 21st Century Customs Framework and will continue to play an important role moving forward.​

Contact the 21CCF team at 21CCF@cbp.dhs.gov to get involved or to share your comments, questions, and ideas.