BTB Action Plan Update: Canada-U.S. Announce Three Key Deliverables

This Monday, Canada and the United States announced three Beyond the Border Action Plan deliverables:

• Official opening of the eGate pilot project at Fort Erie, Ontario,
• Expansion of Canada’s Customs Self Assessment (CSA) program to American-based importers, and an expansion of America’s Importer Self-Assessment program to Canadian-based importers,
• and CBSA’s launch of a Trusted Trader Portal that allows online application and renewal in Canada’s Partners in Protection (PIP) program.

Canada and the United States have the world’s largest bilateral trading relationship, and initiatives like these increase trade, enhance border security, and help make North American companies more competitive in the global market place.

From CBP.gov press release issued Monday:

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,” said The Honourable Steven Blaney, Canadian Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. “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.”