Canada CustomsCanada has implemented a voluntary Trusted Trader/secure supply chain program similar to the U.S Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (“C-TPAT”). Canada’s program is called “Partners in Protection” or PIP.

On November 12, 2015, the Canada Border Services Agency (“CBSA”) released D-Memorandum 23-1-1 “Partners in Protection Program”.  This is a new D-Memorandum and it is very important.  The timing of this D-Memorandum is one day prior to the Paris terrorist attacks on November 13, 2015.  Previously, the CBSA has a web-page about PIP.  The D-Memo has more information and is more transparent.

The PIP program is designed to establish partnerships with trusted businesses in order to enhance the integrity of Canada’s borders and the security of the international supply chain (Paragraph 1 of D-Memo). PIP program members agree to implement and adhere to high security standards, while the CBSA agrees to support program members through the assessment of their physical and procedural security measures. Members are recognized as being Trusted Traders and enjoy benefits such as border recognition, facilitated processing, enhanced industry marketability, awareness sessions on security issues, and access to the Trusted Trader Portal (TTP), while the CBSA is able to focus its resources on areas of higher or unknown risk (Paragraph 2 of D-Memo). What this means is that if a business signs up for and is accepted into PIP, the business or the goods transported by the PIP Member should be processed more quickly when traveling across the Canada-US Border because they have been security cleared and are considered low-risk.  This is a program for secure trade – even in difficult times.

The D-Memo sets out eligibility criteria for acceptance into the PIP program and certain rules with respect of the conduct of supply chain secure business under the program. If you have any questions, please would be pleased to assist.