Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has become the first airport in the U.S. to operate a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Centralized Examination Station (CES) located on the secure side of the airport. This setup, previously implemented outside of secure airfield environments, allows for the direct transfer of cargo from airplanes to the CBP inspection facility, eliminating additional transport and improving efficiency and security.
The CES was established through a collaboration between CBP, DFW Airport, and dnata Cargo USA. "The CES is a key part of supporting DFW Airport’s rapid growth of international e-commerce package clearances,” said Chris McLaughlin, DFW’s Executive Vice President Operations. “We’re just beginning to tap into our immense business potential in cargo, thanks to our location in the center of the country, coupled with our extensive air service network. We thank our partners at CBP for choosing DFW as the first airport in the nation to lean into this new operating model."
The CES is strategically designed with CBP officers stationed on-site, which ensures faster inspections and optimal use of CBP resources. It also incorporates the latest non-intrusive inspection technology to expedite cargo examinations, streamlining the clearance process at DFW and accelerating the delivery of imported goods to the North Texas region and beyond.
“By expediting the commercial flow of legitimate goods, this innovative Centralized Examination Station has proven to be an economic stimulus to the region,” said Jayson Ahern, CBP Dallas Area Port Director. “CBP has assigned officers, agriculture specialists, and supervisors to this facility since its inception, and we have seen greater speed and efficiency in clearing cross-border e-commerce and imports targeted for inspection. For the American consumer, it means their products make it to their doorstep faster and safer. This CES will serve as a model for future port efforts throughout the United States. Together with our DFW and dnata partners, we’re proud to be on the front end of this innovative effort.”
In fiscal year 2020, DFW Airport processed 16,000 international e-commerce clearances. By fiscal year 2023, the number had increased to 20 million packages. In the first half of fiscal year 2024, this figure has already surpassed 23 million packages.
