With approximately 80% of the fresh fruits and vegetables available in Canada coming from other countries, customs programs have an extremely important impact on our industry.

The CPMA Customs Task Force examines legislation, regulations and customs programs to determine the impact on the flow of fresh produce across the Canadian border.  This includes CPMA representation on the Canada Border Services Agency’s Border Commercial Consultative Committee and its various subcommittees.

There are many different customs programs impacting the produce industry. These include:

The Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS)
This is a civil penalty regime that secures compliance with customs legislation through the application of monetary penalties.  AMPS largely replaces the use of seizure and forfeiture provisions for technical infractions. Seizure and ascertained forfeiture will only be used for the most serious offences.

The Free and Secure Trade Program (FAST)
The Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program is a joint Canada–United States initiative involving the Canada Border Services Agency and the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

FAST supports moving pre-approved eligible goods across the border quickly and verifying trade compliance away from the border.  It is a commercial process offered to pre-approved importers, carriers, and registered drivers. Shipments for approved companies, transported by approved carriers using registered drivers, will be cleared into either country with greater speed and certainty, and at a reduced cost of compliance.

Partners in Protection (PIP)
Partners in Protection (PIP) enlists the cooperation of private industry in efforts to enhance border security, combat organized crime and terrorism, increase awareness of customs compliance issues and help detect and prevent contraband smuggling.

Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)
C-TPAT is a voluntary government-business initiative to build cooperative relationships that strengthen and improve overall international supply chain and U.S. border security.  C-TPAT recognizes that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can provide the highest level of cargo security only through close cooperation with the ultimate owners of the international supply chain such as importers, carriers, consolidators, licensed customs brokers, and manufacturers.  C-TPAT offers trade-related businesses an opportunity to play an active role in the war against terrorism.  By participating in this first worldwide supply chain security initiative, companies will ensure a more secure and expeditious supply chain for their employees, suppliers and customers.  To participate, businesses must apply online through CBP.

NEXUS
NEXUS is designed to expedite the border clearance process for low-risk, pre-approved travellers into Canada and the United States. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are cooperating in this joint venture to simplify border crossings for members, while enhancing security.

To become a member in this program, you must:

Automated Import Reference System (AIRS)
AIRS is the Automated Import Reference system of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). It is a user-friendly, searchable database of CFIA import requirements. Through a series of questions and answers, the system will lead you through the applicable regulations and policies to information on all CFIA import requirements for specific commodities.

CFIA Import Service Centre
Import Service Centres process import request documentation/data sent electronically or by fax by the importing community across Canada.  CFIA staff review the information and return the decision either electronically to Canada Border Services Agency, which then relays it to the client, or by fax directly to the broker/importer, who then submits the release package to CBSA.

Customs Self Assessment Program (CSA)
As part of the Customs Action Plan, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) introduced the Customs Self Assessment (CSA) program, a progressive trade option for clients who invest in compliance.  Based on the principles of risk management and partnership, the purpose of the CSA program is to be of mutual benefit to the importing community and the CBSA.