We’re PIP/C-TPAT certified!

On June 28, 2008, the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the U.S. Customs Border Patrol (CBP) signed an arrangement that increased the compatibility of of the two countries expedited border clearance programs. Canada’s Partners in Protection (PIP) program was developed in 1995 with a primary focus on promoting business awareness and compliance with customs regulations. The U.S’s Custom-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT), in cooperation with the CBP was launched November 2001 in the wake of the 9/11 attacks in New York as a joint government-business partnership to help add to supply chain and increase border security. Both programs were and are voluntary.

Though the language may be different, a closer look shows that PIP and C-TPAT are similar initiatives. Both seek to enhance border and trade chain security, combat organized crime and terrorism and help detect and prevent contraband smuggling. In exchange, both the CBSA and the CBP provide reduced inspections at the port of arrival and expedited processing at the border.

On June 28, 2008 the CBSA and the CBP signed an arrangement that enhances the compatibility of the PIP and C-TPAT programs. The arrangement is intended to allow both countries to apply similar security standards and perform similar site validations when approving companies for membership in their respective cargo security programs. CBSA and CBP monitor the entire supply chain, not only for proper compliance, but also
for new and improved best-practice security processes assisting customers in proactively preparing for adjustments to any governmental changes and maintaining low-risk import for clearance designation. While both countries have similar security requirements and site validation procedures, companies must continue to apply for membership into each program. That said, a single application process has been developed for companies applying to both PIP and C-TPAT.

Pacific Coast Distribution was government audited, approved and certified PIP/C-TPAT in December 2018 and will remain subject to the scrutiny of the program’s agents moving forward. Our company undertook and remains proudly committed to the PIP/C-TPAT project as it demonstrates our initiative to ensure best business practices and load safety and security. Further, this certification bolsters our commitment to providing safety and security of food shipments in conjunction with our Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification, which will be discussed in next months blog.