FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 8, 2004

Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc.:
First C-TPAT Certified U.S. Subsidiary of a Japanese Trading Company

C-TPAT, the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program, a voluntary program between Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and industry designed to enhance the security of the global supply chain, has certified Mitsui & Co. (U. S. A.), Inc. (Mitsui USA) as its first U.S. Subsidiary of a Japanese trading company member. Certified membership in the program exemplifies Mitsui USAfs commitment to strengthening the trust of its customers, business partners and the public by enhancing the security of its end-to-end supply chain, including the physical security of the production, transportation and importation elements of the supply chain process. Among the benefits of C-TPAT membership are reduced levels of cargo examinations which will lead to sooner deliveries of imported cargo to customers.

As a result of a Compliance Assessment Audit ending in 1999, Mitsui USA had already attained Customs's highest designation of Low Risk Importer. LRI status indicates a high rate of compliance with Customs regulations and the existence of safeguards to self-police our import activities. C-TPAT membership and Low Risk Importer status are indicative of the Mitsui USA's continuous efforts to comply with all applicable U. S. laws and regulations.

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