Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) hosted an informational session to unveil details about the new JFK Central Exam Station (CES), a cargo operations facility at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
The CES, located at WFS Building 151, is set to enhance cargo security and compliance by inspecting shipments for counterfeit goods, smuggled drugs such as fentanyl, and overall adherence to import regulations.
The session, led by CBP Port Director Sal Ingrassia, brought together representatives from cargo companies, freight forwarders, brokers, and other stakeholders in the shipping industry. Panelists included WFS leaders Alan Chang, Vice Presidents Angel Ramirez and Rinzing Wangyal, and Evan Catarelli, alongside CBP officials Assistant Port Director Andrew Renna and Branch Chief Joe Rollo.
Attendees learned about the facility’s operations, which will play a critical role in bolstering security within the cargo supply chain at one of the nation’s busiest international airports. Questions focused on how the CES will streamline inspection processes and address challenges related to counterfeit goods and narcotics trafficking.
CBP is the federal agency responsible for securing the nation’s borders and facilitating lawful international trade and travel. By collaborating with partners like WFS, CBP aims to ensure compliance while safeguarding the flow of legitimate goods through key transit hubs such as JFK.
The JFK CES is expected to become operational by mid-February. Once open, it will serve as a vital checkpoint for cargo entering the country through JFK, helping to uphold safety and compliance standards in global trade.
