CBSA Revises MOU for Its "Partners in Protection" Program (Which is Similar to C-TPAT)
The Canada Border Services Agency has posted a revised version of its Memorandum of Understanding for its Partners in Protection (PIP) program.
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(CBSA states that the PIP program provides benefits such as lower examination rates to companies that demonstrate a good compliance record and actively participate in the program. It is available to the entire trade community, from importers, carriers, brokers, warehouse operators to associations and is similar to U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP's) Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT).)
Revised MOU is Part of Stricter PIP Program to be Introduced June 30th
In February 2008, the CBSA announced its goal of introducing a revised PIP program by June 30, 2008. The revised program will require members to adhere to stricter, better-defined and targeted security measures to strengthen border and supply chain security.
One of the changes that was to be made was that the CBSA was to revise the PIP MOU and make it available by March 31, 2008.
(The CBSA previously explained that the MOU under PIP serves as a "goodwill" agreement in which a company and CBSA commit to working together on enhanced security, exchange of information, and awareness.)
Revised MOU Combines General MOU, Carrier MOU into One Document
The CBSA states that the general MOU and carrier MOU have been combined into one document. The changes are minor and mostly consist of revised wording to ensure that the CBSA and companies are more aware of their roles and responsibilities as partners, and of the fact that they can be removed or suspended from the PIP program.
MOU is Currently Only for Informational Purposes
The revised MOU is available for information purposes only. The CBSA asks the trade not to complete or submit this document. It will be issued for signature as part of the application process after June 30, 2008.
I.E. Canada Hosts Conferences on New PIP Program
The Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters (I.E. Canada) has posted a list of several conferences that it is scheduled to host from May 26th - June 4th entitled: The New PIP Program and Customs Audit: Are You Prepared?"
Event schedule available at http://www.iecanada.com/events.html.
(See ITT's Online Archives or 03/04/08 news, 08030410, for BP summary of Canada's plans to modernize its PIP program, with information on the revision of the MOU.
See ITT's Online Archives or 05/07/08 news, 08050799 4, for previous BP summary of the I.E. Canada conferences.)
Revised MOU available at http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/security-securite/pip-pep/mou-pe-eng.rtf
PIP information available at http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/security-securite/pip-pep/mod-eng.htmlc03