Partners in Protection (PIP) Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)

Partners in Protection (PIP) is a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) program that enlists the cooperation with private industry to strengthen border controls and trade chain security, combat organized crime and terrorism and help detect and prevent contraband smuggling.

It is a voluntary program with no membership fees, which aims to secure trade chain, one partnership at a time. Industry strongly supports the PIP program and greatly appreciate the involvement of PIP members to do their part that they, together with the CBSA, supply chain and facilitate legitimate trade. 

About Partners in Protection 

History 

Partners in Protection (PIP) was developed in 1995 with a primary focus on promoting business awareness and compliance with customs regulations. 

After the events of 9 / 11, the PIP program's focus shifted to placing greater emphasis on trade chain security, which included encouraging members to improve their physical, infrastructural and procedural security. A security questionnaire was developed with the proposed safety recommendations. 

The importance of PIP program grew in 2002 when a PIP membership was a prerequisite for participating in the free and secure trade (FAST) program. FAST provides rapid clearance of the border to Canada for pre-approved importers, carriers and drivers. 

Signature of a mutual recognition agreement with the U.S.

In 2007, security and prosperity partnership of North America, the Canadian government $ 11.6 million in assistance to strengthen the PIP program in order to achieve mutual recognition and compatibility with the U.S. Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism Program (C-TPAT) program. 

This milestone was reached on 28 June 2008, CBSA signed an agreement with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. 

The signing of the agreement enhances border security, both countries are now applying the same safety standards and similar site validations when approving companies for membership in their respective professional security applications. 

A modernized PIP program 

On 30 June 2008 an extended PIP program was introduced. It implements the minimum safety requirements and mandatory site validations, denial, suspension, cancellation, reinstatement and appeal policies and procedures, and an automated application process. 

These steps to strengthen the PIP program will also ensure that it is better aligned with international standards as a system of standards for the protection and promotion of Global Trade (SAFE) and the Authorized Economic Operator concept of the World Customs Organization. 

Benefits of mutual recognition 

The corresponding safety of PIP and C-TPAT makes it easier to qualify for both programs (a separate application must be submitted to both programs). 

Only one site validation may be necessary for applicants for PIP and C-TPAT. But both

programs reserve the right to perform site validation of their members.

PIP and C-TPAT members can benefit from faster clearance of the border to Canada and the United States if they request, and approved of the free and secure trade (FAST) program to use the FAST lanes in both directions. Remember that to apply for FAST entry in Canada, Customs Self Assessment Program approval and PIP membership is required. 

Companies that are members of the PIP and C-TPAT can benefit from having an enhanced reputation as a low-risk company by demonstrating their adherence to high safety standards. 

Members are better positioned to achieve international recognition.