Border security

New cross-border trade and customs improvements were first announced by Canada and

the United States in the “Shared Vision for Perimeter Security Declaration” in February 2011.

Implementation of these improvements is currently underway and importers and exporters can

expect to hear more details about these improvements in the future.

Changes are to include improving the programs that help trusted businesses and travellers

move efficiently across the border. This includes NEXUS and the Partners in Protection and

Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism border security programs. It also introduces new

measures to facilitate the movement of goods while reducing the administrative burden for

businesses involved in cross-border trade.

Partners in Protection (PIP)

Canada’s security program enlists the cooperation of private industry in an effort to enhance

border security, combat organized crime and terrorism. It is also intended to help detect and

prevent contraband smuggling while at the same time increasing awareness of customs

compliance issues.

Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)

C-TPAT is the U.S.’s voluntary government-business initiative designed to strengthen and

improve overall international supply chain and U.S. border security. Through this program,

businesses are asked to ensure the integrity of their security practices and communicate

and verify the security guidelines of their business partners within the supply chain. At this

time, participation in the C-TPAT program is open to U.S. importers, Canadian and Mexican

manufacturers, licensed U.S. customs brokers, consolidators, carriers and third party logistics

providers.

Under the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America, the CBSA and U.S. Customs

and Border Protection have an arrangement for mutual recognition and compatibility of

Canada’s PIP program with the U.S. C-TPAT program. Participation in both of these security

programs is voluntary and requires participants to provide customs with a comprehensive self-

assessment of their current security measures.

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