News Release

National 2008

New Cross-Border Cooperation Will Strengthen Cargo Security

Ottawa, Ontario, July 2, 2008 -- The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that it is working with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to strengthen cargo security. The new arrangement will promote a smarter, more secure and efficient border.

With the new arrangement, both countries will now use similar criteria when granting companies membership to their respective cross-border programs: Canada’s Partners in Protection (PIP) and the U.S.’s Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorrism (C-TPAT).

"This arrangement demonstrates that Canada is moving forward with the United States and the business community to increase cargo security and support economic prosperity," said Greta Bossenmaier, the CBSA’s Interim President.

"With strong industry support and the combined efforts of U.S. CBP and the CBSA, the United States and Canada are leading the way toward a more secure global supply chain," said U.S. CBP Commissioner W. Ralph Basham.

PIP members benefit from having an enhanced reputation as being low-risk companies. In addition, their shipments are eligible for expedited cross-border clearance through Canada’s Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program.

In January 2007, the Government of Canada dedicated $11.6 million to strengthen the PIP program under the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America.

With Canada doing almost $2 billion daily in cross-border trade with the United States, trade security programs such as PIP and the efforts of its members contribute to a smarter, more secure and efficient border and help protect Canadians against potential health, security and economic threats.

-30-

For media information:

CBSA Media Relations