WASHINGTON— The United States and Canada today announced the two countries are delivering on key Beyond the Border Action Plan commitments related to joint Trusted Traveler and Trusted Trader programs through U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Canada Border Services Agency. The deliverables include the official opening of the eGate pilot project that allows NEXUS members extended expedited passage at the Peace Bridge port of entry in Fort Erie, Ontario.
“Our continued success in achieving Beyond the Border milestones illustrates our commitment to a strong partnership between the United States and Canada,” said CBP Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske. “The harmonization of trusted trader and traveler programs benefits those crossing the border as well as the economic security of both countries.”
“These innovative initiatives are important examples of the continued enhancements being made to these successful Trusted Traveller and Trusted Trader programs. They highlight our binational commitment to initiatives outlined in the Beyond the Border Action Plan. I am confident that these steps will keep travel and trade moving efficiently and securely between Canada and the United States,” The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.
Customs Self Assessment – Platinum (CSA-Platinum) is available to CSA importers who voluntarily demonstrate that their business systems, internal controls and self-testing processes are effective and reliable at ensuring trade compliance. In addition, importers based in the U.S. will now be eligible to apply to the CSA importer program. Previously, only importers residing in Canada or, in the case of corporations who had their head office in Canada or operated a branch office in Canada, were eligible to participate in the CSA program.
The CBSA has also launched a new online Trusted Trader Portal, similar to the C-TPAT portal, that allows companies to apply for membership in the Partners in Protection (PIP) program, and allows existing members to maintain their Trusted Trader membership.