Washington, D.C.- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Robert C. Bonner is pleased to announce that Michael T. Schmitz, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Regulations and Rulings, has been elected as the World Customs Organization (WCO) Director of Compliance and Facilitation. Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, the WCO is an independent, inter-governmental body whose mission is to promote the efficiency and effectiveness of customs administrations by standardizing and harmonizing customs procedures in order to enhance Customs' role in facilitating trade and securing supply chains. It currently has 166 member nations, which represent 99 percent of global trade. Schmitz will begin his five-year term in January 2006. Michael T. Schmitz, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Regulations and Rulings, has been elected as the World Customs Organization (WCO) Director of Compliance and Facilitation. "In this capacity, Mr. Schmitz will have the first-hand ability to advance trade-related security measures at the global level," Commissioner Bonner said. "His diverse background makes him uniquely qualified. And, his experiences have enabled him to truly understand the critical and urgent need to secure and facilitate trade around the world."

In his current position, Schmitz provides policy and technical support to the Department of Homeland Security, other U.S. Government agencies and international organizations concerning the application of customs and other laws, regulations, and procedures administered and enforced by CBP. Schmitz has also served in the international arena, holding the position of Acting Assistant Commissioner in CBP's Office of International Affairs, where he was responsible for cooperation with foreign governments on initiatives and programs in areas as diverse as border security, antiterrorism, export controls, and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.

Schmitz also has first-hand knowledge of the work of the WCO, having served as Chef de Cabinet (Chief of Staff) to the Secretary General of the WCO for five years in the late 1990s. As Chef de Cabinet, he oversaw the day-to-day operations of the WCO and participated in key initiatives, such as the establishment of the non-preferential Rules of Origin and Customs Enforcement Network, and implementation of the Intellectual Property Rights program. Schmitz was also a principal in the negotiation and completion of the Revised Kyoto Convention that laid the groundwork for the modernization of customs administrations.

"I congratulate Mike on his election to this position and wish him well as he plays a critical role in setting the course for carrying out the WCO Council's new physical and economic security initiatives," concluded Commissioner Bonner.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control, and protection of our Nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

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