Partners in Protection
Partners in Protection is a Canadian trade program which was developed in 1995. The program enhances border and trade chain security. In this article we will discuss Partners in Protection, it’s requirements and how you can apply for this program.
What is Partners is Protection?
Partners in Protection (PIP) is a voluntary trade program by the Canada Border Services Agency for Canadian and U.S. businesses. It is an AEO program for improving border security and international supply chains. It aims to prevent illegal activities such as smuggling, organized crime and terrorism. The program also aims to smoothen cross-border trade. It speeds up cross-border customs clearance by the following means.
- PIP members are allowed to use Canadian Free and Secure (FAST) lanes.
- Members benefit from a lower examination rate at the border.
- Members gain the status of Trusted Trader in both Canada and other countries thanks to mutual recognition arrangements. For instance, PIP is mutually recognized with the U.S. program CTPAT.
The PIP program aligns with the World Customs Organization’s SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade.
Partners in Protection requirements
Who can apply for the PIP program? A PIP certification is open for the following Canadian businesses.
- Importers
- Exporters
- Freight forwarders
- Custom brokers
- Shipping agents
- Commercial carriers operating in the highway, rail, marine and/or air modes.
The Partners in Protection program is also available to the following U.S. based companies.
- Carriers in all nodes of transport, which hold a valid carrier code.
- Importers that conduct business in Canada. Importers must hold a valid Canadian business number and file Canadian customs declarations.
Canadian and U.S. businesses that fall into the above categories can apply if they meet the following requirements.
- Own or operate facilities in Canada or the U.S. that are involved in the cross-border movement of commercial goods.
- Have a history of cross-border trade over the past 12 months, with at least one movement or anticipated movement within 90 days prior to applying.
- Be financially solvent and free of unresolved debts to the Crown or undischarged bankruptcy.
- Have no convictions (without record suspension) under the Criminal Code of Canada or any other federal or provincial legislation.
- Have no convictions outside Canada under foreign laws that, if enforced in Canada, would be considered an offence under an Act of Parliament or any other federal or provincial legislation.
- Have no significant contraventions of the Customs Act or its regulations, or any acts or regulations enforced by the CBSA, other government departments, or international customs organizations.
- Comply with all minimum security requirements outlined in the PIP security profile, unless the Canada Border Services Agency grants special consideration due to the business’s specific operations or security structure.
Does your business meet these requirements? Before applying for the PIP program you need to register for an account in the Trusted Trader portal. You can create an account at Canada Border Services Agency’s website. After creating a Trusted Trader account you can apply for the Partners in Protection program via the Trusted Trader program. There is no membership fee.
PIP and mutual recognition
As written in the benefits of PIP, joined members take advantage of the status of Trusted Trader in other countries thanks to mutual recognition arrangements (MRAs). This provides PIP members with benefits such as faster border clearance and greater market access. Partners in Protection is mutually recognized for the following programs.
- CTPAT (US)
- EU AEO program
- Japan AEO program
- Korea AEO program
- Singapore AEO program
- Mexico AEO program
- Israel AEO program
- ATT (Australia)
- New Zealand AEO program
- Hong Kong AEO program
- Peru AEO program
About Hoefon Security Seals
In most AEO programs the he application of ISO 17712 certified class ‘h’ seals is obliged for international freight transport. Hoefon Security Seals is a certified supplier of bolt and cable high security seals. High security seals have a very high breaking strength and cannot be removed by hand. Please feel free to contact us for questions or more information.
Niels Pas
CEO Hoefon Security Seals
Niels Pas has been Hoefon Security Seals’ CEO since 2017. He has extensive international experience and speaks 4 languages professionally.
