PIP (Partners In Protection) Information
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🔖 This article is part of the Customs Compliance Guide |
Partners in Protection (PIP)
A cooperative program between private industry and the CBSA to enhance border and trade chain security.
Overview
The Partners In Protection (PIP) program is a cooperative program between private industry and the CBSA aimed at enhancing border and trade chain security. This voluntary program has no membership fee. It is designed to streamline and make border processes more efficient for low-risk, pre-approved businesses recognized as Trusted Traders.
As a member, you must abide by the roles and responsibilities outlined in the PIP Terms and Conditions of Use. In return, the CBSA will assess your company's physical, infrastructural, and procedural security, and will recommend necessary improvements to enhance the integrity of your production, transportation, importation, and/or exportation processes.
Program Eligibility
To be eligible for PIP, a company must meet specific criteria regarding their operations, history, and compliance record.
General Criteria
- Operations: Own or operate facilities in Canada or the U.S. involved in moving commercial goods cross-border.
- History: Be in existence for at least one calendar year. Importers/Carriers must have crossed goods at least once prior to 90 days before application.
- Solvency: Be solvent with no unresolved debts to the Crown or undischarged bankruptcy.
- Compliance: Have a good record with CBSA and other government departments. No significant contraventions of the Customs Act.
- Criminal Record: No convictions under the Criminal Code of Canada or relevant foreign laws.
- Security: Be compliant with all minimum security requirements (MSRs) in the PIP Security Profile.
Eligible Business Lines
The company must conduct operations in at least one of the following sectors:[2]
| Sector | Includes |
|---|---|
| Commercial Carriers | Highway, Rail, Marine, Air (including couriers). |
| Logistics Providers | Freight Forwarders, Warehouse Operators, Marine Terminal Operators. |
| Trade Chain Partners | Importers, Exporters, Customs Brokers, Shipping Agents. |
Benefits of Membership
As a PIP member, your company gains "Trusted Trader" status, which provides operational and reputational advantages:
- Border Efficiency: Recognition as a Trusted Trader can save time at the border.
- Reduced Examinations: A reduced risk score results in a lower examination rate.
- FAST Eligibility: PIP is a prerequisite to apply for the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) benefit (if also participating in CSA).
- Expertise: Access to CBSA security assessments, awareness sessions, and expertise.
- Marketing: Ability to market your company as a secure, low-risk Trusted Trader.
- Portal Access: Access to the Trusted Trader Portal to manage membership documents easily.
- Courier LVS: Eligibility to participate in the Courier Low Value Shipment (LVS) program.
Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRA)
Your company will be recognized as a Trusted Trader under CBSA's mutual recognition arrangements with similar international programs:
- United States: C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism).
- Japan: Authorized Economic Operator program.
- Korea: Authorized Economic Operator program.
- Singapore: Secure Trade Partnership (STP) program.
- Mexico: Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program.
Related Trusted Trader Programs
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| FAST (Free and Secure Trade) |
A joint initiative between CBP and CBSA. PIP membership is required for Canadian carriers to apply for FAST. |
| CSA (Customs Self Assessment) |
Allows for the clearance of goods imported by a CSA Approved importer and transported by a CSA Approved carrier. Often combined with PIP/FAST. |
| C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) |
The U.S. equivalent to PIP. A voluntary public-private sector supply chain security program led by CBP. |