There are various voluntary border security programs that provide immense benefits to your company, such as expedited processing and supply chain efficiency. Here is how these programs may enhance your importation process:
Custom-Trade Partnership against Terrorism (C-TPAT) – This voluntary program is led by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and is a joint effort between the United States government and businesses involved in importing goods into the United States. Members of C-TPAT are less likely to be subjected to customs inspections and will be routed to the front of customs lines when they do need to be inspected.
Partners in Protection (PIP) – This is a voluntary Canadian security program, recently upgraded to meet the standards of the C-TPAT program. It was designed to streamline and make border processes more efficient and enlists the cooperation of private industries to enhance border and supply chain security while combating organized crime and terrorism. Members of PIP enjoy access to CBSA security assessments and they’ll have a reduced risk score, which can result in a lower examination rate at the border.
Customs Self-Assessment (CSA) – The CSA program is designed for low-risk, pre-approved importers, carriers and registered drivers. To take advantage of the program, CSA-approved importers and carriers must use a registered driver to carry CSA-eligible goods from the U.S. or Mexico by air, rail, or highway. Participating importers can significantly reduce the cost of doing business with the CBSA, and it also ends costly customs processes and reduces the number of transactional transmissions.
Free And Secure Trade (FAST) – FAST is a joint Canada-U.S. program is a commercial clearance program designed to ensure safety and security while expediting trade across the Canada-U.S. border. Importers and carriers must be both PIP and CSA approved to become eligible for FAST, and will provide benefits such as dedicated border clearance lanes, reduced landed costs, and reduced border documentation requirements.
It should be noted that in order to qualify for the PIP and C-TPAT programs, you must meet the respected program’s minimum security requirements and will have to undergo a re-validation process every few years.
