Seamless C-TPAT/PIP & More Pre-Clearance Are Canadian Commenters' "Perimeter" Goals

A joint action plan on the perimeter approach to security and trade is expected this fall.

(See ITT’s Online Archives or 08/30/11 news, 11080319, for details of a related report which summarizes consultations with Canadians on regulatory cooperation with the U.S., which was announced along with “perimeter approach” concept.)

Want Simplification/Alignment of Border Practices, Canadian ‘Single Window’

Major manufacturing, exporting and transportation associations consistently called for simplification and alignment of Canadian and U.S. border practices. One specific proposal recommended by a number of firms and associations, is the development of an [Canadian] electronic 'single window' for customs information and documentation.

C-TPAT and PIP Should be Harmonized with Single Set of Requirements

Harmonization of the two countries' flagship trusted trader programs—Canada's Partners in Protection (PIP) and the U.S.’ Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) -- was the most frequently cited suggestion to improve the effectiveness of trusted trader programs. It was suggested that a single set of requirements, acceptable to both border administrations, would make it easier for companies to focus on the business of trading and would reduce border processing times.

Streamline/Harmonize Release Requirements, Reduce Data for Trusted Traders

Many submissions called for the streamlining and harmonization of data requirements for release and reporting of transported goods. The Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters proposed reducing the transactional data requirements for trusted traders and having traders and shippers provide advance data about goods crossing the border through a registered profile rather than on a transactional basis. Some suggested that costs to participate in these programs should be reduced.

More Dedicated Lanes for PIP/C-TPAT Companies, Etc.

Submissions from several associations called for the addition of more dedicated border lanes for trusted trader participants. The Canadian Trucking Alliance recommended adding additional FAST lanes at the Windsor-Detroit crossing, and the Canadian Manufacturing Coalition recommended dedicated primary inspection lanes at all appropriate border crossings for PIP and C-TPAT registered companies.

Expand Pre-Inspection & Pre-Clearance, Eliminate Duplicative Border Inspections

Many commenters recommended enhancing and expanding pre-inspection programs, which facilitate the flow of goods across the border by moving customs inspections away from the border to major transportation hubs or manufacturing plants in the country of origin. One province called for eliminating duplicative border inspections through joint or shared border inspection facilities and programs. Associations suggested expanding existing pre-clearance programs and the establishment of new pre-clearance programs. The American and Canadian meat sector stakeholders submitted a joint recommendation for pilot programs with innovative approaches to eliminating duplicative re-inspections at the border.

Simplify Shipment of Low-Value Goods

Businesses and people engaged in cross-border shipping, including UPS Canada, the Canadian Courier and Logistics Association, and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, suggested simplifying the administrative processes governing the shipment of low-value goods across the border.

Expand Joint IPR Enforcement, Grant Canadian Customs Officials More Authority

Business groups suggested collaborative measures to combat the importation of counterfeit goods; granting Canadian customs officials the authority to search and seize shipments of counterfeit goods; and development of a border enforcement strategy with the U.S. in response to the movement of counterfeit goods.

Develop Common Strategy for Border Management in Event of a Disruption

Several associations called for the development of a joint border management contingency plan in the event of future disruptions such as health emergencies, pandemics or security threats. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce recommended that a joint contingency plan to address partial or complete closure of the border be put in place immediately and include a process for reopening North American airspace and resuming maritime commerce on the Great Lakes system.

(See ITT’s Online Archives or 02/07/11 news, 11020742, for BP summary of the U.S. and Canadian declaration on their ‘perimeter approach’ to security and trade and the creation of the Regulatory Cooperation Council.)

DFAIT press releases, dated 08/29/11, available here and here.