Fact Sheet

June 2010

Partners in Protection

Working together to enhance security for the business community and all Canadians

The Partners in Protection (PIP) program is a voluntary commercial security program that creates partnerships between the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and companies that are directly involved in cross-border trade. PIP members commit to securing their supply chain by complying with physical, infrastructure and procedural security measures, undergoing a site validation, and exchanging information with the CBSA.

In return, the CBSA commits to reviewing the company’s security procedures, suggests improvements, provides awareness sessions on security and smuggling issues, and affords certain privileges.

PIP members benefit from having an enhanced reputation as being low-risk companies and attract business partners looking for companies with high security standards. In addition, membership in PIP is a prerequisite for expedited cross-border clearance through participation in Canada’s Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program.

The PIP program is part of the CBSA’s trusted trader strategy. It is aligned with international standards such as those established for Authorized Economic Operators by the World Customs Organization. To raise and standardize the security level of the supply chain while enhancing cross-border trade, the PIP program has signed mutual recognition arrangements with equivalent programs in the United States, Japan, Singapore and South Korea. These countries use criteria similar to those used by Canada when granting companies membership to their respective cargo security programs. This helps to prevent contraband smuggling, combat organized crime and terrorism and secure the international supply chain.

Canada and the United States are working to further align the PIP program and the Customs and Border Protection (US CBP) Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program. Given their current similarities and the significant number of companies that choose to join both programs, the introduction of a single application process was endorsed by both the CBSA and the US CBP. The goal is to further reduce duplication, wherever possible and feasible, for the benefit of all parties.

The Government of Canada is committed to working with the business community to contribute to the security of the supply chain and the facilitation of legitimate trade.