CBP & CBSA Working on Pre-Clearance Pilot for Trusted Shippers
At a May 17, 2011 Senate Judiciary Subcommittee hearing, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Bersin stated the agency is working with the Canada Border Services Agency on a new pre-clearance pilot as part of their perimeter approach to security and trade. Steps are also being taken to harmonize PIP and C-TPAT, and exchange staff at both countries targeting centers.
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(In February 2011, the U.S. and Canada agreed to a “Beyond the Border” declaration1 on a new perimeter approach to security and trade. The declaration states that the key areas of U.S.-Canada cooperation are (i) address threats early; (ii) trade facilitation, economic growth, and jobs; (iii) integrated cross-border law enforcement; and (iv) critical infrastructure and cybersecurity. (See ITT's Online Archives or 02/07/11 news, 11020729, for BP summary of the declaration.)
Most Trusted and Non-Trusted Cargo both Cleared at Primary Inspection
CBP and the CBSA continue to develop and implement several additional initiatives consistent with the Beyond the Border declaration that recognize that more than 90% of all non-trusted cargo and more than 98% of trusted cargo is cleared at the point of primary inspection.
Pilot Could Segment Trusted Shippers, Goods for “Pre-Clearance” Release
Commissioner Bersin testified that CBP is exploring creative approaches to expedite legitimate trade and travel.
One approach involves the concept of cargo pre-clearance2, which could segment trusted shippers and trusted shipments in advance of arrival to a port of entry to allow them to be released without having to go through the normal port of entry (POE) process.
Hopes Pre-Clearance Pilot Can Start Soon
The CBP Commissioner stated that he hopes to begin a pilot program in the near future. In response to Committee questions about whether 100% of commercial trucks could be pre-cleared in Canada, Commissioner Bersin noted that while it will never reach 100%, CBP will work to achieve the highest percentage practicable.
Working on Harmonization of PIP and C-TPAT
Commissioner Bersin also testified that CBP is working on the harmonization of Canada’s trusted shipper program, Partners in Protection (PIP), with the U.S.’ Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT).
(In 2009, the U.S. and Canada agreed to work toward aligning PIP and C-TPAT, in an effort to achieve harmonization as soon as possible. See ITT’s Online Archives or 11/25/09 news, 09112505, for BP summary.
At a November 2010 COAC meeting, CBP officials noted that CBP has accepted certain C-TPAT validations performed by Canada. See ITT’s Online Archives or 11/12/10 news, 10111226, for BP summary.)
Upcoming Staff Exchange at U.S. and Canadian Targeting Centers
Commissioner Bersin also announced that CBSA President Portelance is scheduled to visit the U.S. soon and one of the first items to be addressed will be the signing of an agreement to allow Canada to send an official to the U.S. National Targeting Center (NTC) and the U.S. to send a CBP official to Canada’s National Risk Assessment Center.
New Coordinated Planning Cell for Border Management
Commissioner Bersin also noted in this testimony that in support of a coordinated approach to border management, CBP established a Canada Integrated Planning and Coordination Cell (CIPCC) which aligns CBP’s initiatives regarding Canada and the U.S.-Canada border.
The CIPCC, in concert with CBSA, is working to implement initiatives focused on increasing information sharing, harmonizing policies and programs, and ensuring the coordination and cooperation of infrastructure planning and improvements.
As part of this, CBP and CBSA established a Small Ports Working Group to develop a long-term strategy to more effectively and efficiently manage small POEs along the northern border. Based on mutual assessments of each POE, applying agreed-upon criteria, CBP and CBSA will coordinate port operations and identify joint solutions, where possible.
3,800+ CBP Officers, Ag Specialists Deployed at Northern Border
According to Bersin’s written testimony, at the ports of entry along the Northern Border, CBP’s Office of Field Operations has deployed more than 3,800 CBP Officers and Agriculture Specialists. CBP and the General Services Administration (GSA) are working to modernize and renovate 39 northern border land border POEs.
Joint Border Threat and Risk Assessment Released in March 2011
Commissioner Bersin also noted in his written testimony that in March 2011, the U.S. and Canada released the “Joint Border Threat and Risk Assessment,” which provides a strategic overview of significant threats along the U.S.-Canada border. It encompassed a range of national security, criminal enterprise, agriculture, health, and migration issues. (See ITT’s Online Archives or 03/11/11 news, 11031120, for BP summary of the assessment.)
(The Commissioner testified at the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees, and Border Security hearing. Also testifying at the hearing was Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Morton.)
1“Beyond the Border: a Shared Vision for Perimeter Security and Competitiveness”
2Commissioner Bersin referred to this concept as "preinspection."
Hearing statements, including link to webcast, available here