Integrated Cargo Security Strategy (ICSS) Overview

On December 7, 2011, Prime Minister Harper and President Obama released the Beyond the Border Action Plan for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness. As part of this Action Plan, Canada and the United States (U.S.) committed to developing a joint strategy to address risks associated with shipments arriving from offshore based on informed risk management, under the principle of “cleared once, accepted twice.” The Integrated Cargo Security Strategy (ICSS) is aimed at identifying and resolving security concerns as early as possible in the supply chain or at the perimeter, with the expectation that this will allow us to reduce the level of these activities at the Canada-U.S. border.

The ICSS outlines how Canada and the U.S. will reduce duplication of efforts and processes, and work together offshore and at the physical border to facilitate the movement of secure cargo. It recognizes the importance of:

• having common advance data requirements;
• sharing advance timely information for cargo shipments arriving in Canada or the U.S. from offshore;
• harmonizing targeting and risk assessment methodologies; and
• sharing examination results. 

There are a series of pilot projects and activities that will validate and inform the ICSS.

They are as follows:

• Prince Rupert Pilot;
• Tamper Evident Technology

Stakeholder Engagement

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is committed to maintaining an open dialogue with stakeholders from all facets of the trade community and to ensuring that their views and perspectives are considered in the design, development and regularization of the ICSS.

For more information on the ICSS, or to send your feedback or questions, please contact us at: Contact@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.

Integrated Cargo Security Strategy (ICSS)

The binational (Canada–United States) ICSS sets out the vision, objectives and actions to address risks at the earliest opportunity by moving activities related to risk mitigation away from the Canada–U.S. border. Together, these activities are to significantly streamline the flow of trade crossing our common border while enhancing security.

Qs & As

Pilots

Prince Rupert Pilot

The Prince Rupert pilot seeks to secure the marine and land supply chain. This pilot will be used to target high-risk cargo that is destined for the U.S. before arrival at the marine port of Prince Rupert and allow for examinations at the perimeter before the cargo moves by train to the land border.

Factsheet

Qs & As

Testing and Evaluation of Tamper Evident Technology

The Tamper Evident Technology pilot will assess the integrity of tamper evident seals used to secure cargo transported from the perimeter to the land border. By monitoring and tracking the movement of cargo secured with Tamper Evident Technology, the CBSA will ensure that the contents of a container are not compromised, thereby reducing the number of re-examinations at the land border.

Factsheet

Qs & As