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PIP (Partners In Protection) Information: Difference between revisions

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Created page with "{{note|This article is part of the Customs Compliance Guide|info}} 300px|thumb|PIP LogoPIP '''(Partners In Protection)''' 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 tr..."
 
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{{note|This article is part of the [[Customs_Compliance_Guide_(CBP_and_CBSA)|Customs Compliance Guide]]|info}}
{{note|This article is part of the [[Customs_Compliance_Guide_(CBP_and_CBSA)|Customs Compliance Guide]]|info}}


[[Image:Pip-logo.jpg|300px|thumb|PIP Logo]]PIP '''(Partners In Protection)''' 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. This will enhance the integrity of your production, transportation, importation and/or exportation processes.
<div class="bc-wrap">


== History ==
<div class="bc-article-hero">
<h1>Partners in Protection (PIP)</h1>
<p>A cooperative program between private industry and the CBSA to enhance border and trade chain security.</p>
<div class="bc-article-meta">
<span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="fas fa-handshake"></i> Type: Trusted Trader Program</span>
<span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="fas fa-flag-canada"></i> Region: CBSA</span>
</div>
</div>


Partners in Protection (PIP) was developed in 1995 with a primary focus on promoting business awareness and compliance with customs regulations.
<div class="bc-card">


In 2001, PIP program's focus shifted to place a greater emphasis on trade chain security, which included urging members to improve their physical, infrastructure and procedural security. A security questionnaire was developed with suggested security recommendations.<ref>CBSA - Partners in Protection http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/security-securite/pip-pep/menu-eng.html</ref>
<h2 style="margin-top: 0;">Overview</h2>
[[Image:Pip-logo.jpg|250px|thumb|right|The Partners In Protection (PIP) Logo]]
<p>The <strong>Partners In Protection (PIP)</strong> 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.</p>


The importance of the PIP program increased in 2002 when a PIP membership became a prerequisite to participate in the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program. FAST provides expedited border clearances into Canada for pre-approved importers, carriers and drivers.
<p>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.</p>


== PIP Eligibility ==
<div class="bc-did-you-know" style="margin-top: 15px;">
<strong>Program Evolution:</strong>
* <strong>1995:</strong> Developed with a focus on business awareness and compliance.
* <strong>2001:</strong> Focus shifted to trade chain security (physical/procedural).
* <strong>2002:</strong> PIP membership became a prerequisite for [[FAST_(Free_and_Secure_Trade)_Information|FAST]] participation.<ref>CBSA - Partners in Protection http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/security-securite/pip-pep/menu-eng.html</ref>
</div>


You must meet the following criteria:
<div style="clear: both;"></div>
</div>


*Own or operate facilities based in Canada or the United States that are involved in moving commercial goods across the border;
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Program Eligibility</h2>
*Be in existence for a minimum of one calendar year. In the case of importers and carriers, be an importer or transporter of commercial goods to or from Canada at least once, prior to the 90 calendar days before the day on which the application is received;
*Be solvent and have no unresolved debts to the Crown or undischarged bankruptcy;
*Have a good record of compliance with the CBSA and other government departments;
*Have no convictions (for which a record suspension has not been received) under the Criminal Code of Canada or under any other federal or provincial legislation;
*Have no convictions outside of Canada under foreign law that, if enforced in Canada, would constitute an offence under an Act of Parliament or under any other federal or provincial legislation;
*Have no history of significant contraventions under the Customs Act or any of its regulations, or under any act or regulation enforced by the CBSA or other international customs organization;
*Be compliant with all minimum security requirements (MSRs) outlined in the PIP Security Profile unless special consideration is given to the business’ particular operations or security structure at the discretion of the CBSA.


''To be eligible the company must conduct operations in at least one of the following lines of business:''
<div class="bc-card">
<p>To be eligible for PIP, a company must meet specific criteria regarding their operations, history, and compliance record.</p>


*Commercial carriers in the highway, rail, marine, and/or air modes of transport (including couriers*)
<h3>General Criteria</h3>
*Importers
<div class="bc-cleanlist">
*Exporters
* <strong>Operations:</strong> Own or operate facilities in Canada or the U.S. involved in moving commercial goods cross-border.
*Freight forwarders
* <strong>History:</strong> Be in existence for at least one calendar year. Importers/Carriers must have crossed goods at least once prior to 90 days before application.
*Warehouse operators (including marine terminal operators)
* <strong>Solvency:</strong> Be solvent with no unresolved debts to the Crown or undischarged bankruptcy.
*Customs brokers
* <strong>Compliance:</strong> Have a good record with CBSA and other government departments. No significant contraventions of the Customs Act.
*Shipping agents<ref>http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/security-securite/pip-pep/about-apropos-eng.html#a5</ref>
* <strong>Criminal Record:</strong> No convictions under the Criminal Code of Canada or relevant foreign laws.
* <strong>Security:</strong> Be compliant with all minimum security requirements (MSRs) in the PIP Security Profile.
</div>


== Benefits of PIP Membership ==
<h3>Eligible Business Lines</h3>
<p>The company must conduct operations in at least one of the following sectors:<ref>http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/security-securite/pip-pep/about-apropos-eng.html#a5</ref></p>
<table class="wikitable" style="width: 100%;">
<tr>
<th style="width: 50%;">Sector</th>
<th style="width: 50%;">Includes</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Commercial Carriers</strong></td>
<td>Highway, Rail, Marine, Air (including couriers).</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Logistics Providers</strong></td>
<td>Freight Forwarders, Warehouse Operators, Marine Terminal Operators.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Trade Chain Partners</strong></td>
<td>Importers, Exporters, Customs Brokers, Shipping Agents.</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>


As a member, your company can take advantage of the following benefits:
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Benefits of Membership</h2>


*You will have access to CBSA security assessments, awareness sessions, and CBSA expertise.
<div class="bc-card">
*When you reach the border your company will be recognized as a Trusted Trader, which can save time.
<p>As a PIP member, your company gains "Trusted Trader" status, which provides operational and reputational advantages:</p>
*Your company will have a reduced risk score, which can result in a lower examination rate at the border.
*You can market your company as a secure, low-risk Trusted Trader.
*You will have access to the Trusted Trader Portal, which will allow you to keep your membership documents up to date.
*You will be eligible to apply for the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) benefit, if you are also a participant in the Customs Self Assessment (CSA) program. This will give you access to the designated FAST lanes to cross the border into Canada.
*You will be eligible to participate in the Courier Low Value Shipment (LVS) program.  The LVS Program streamlines processing of low-value shipments through customs while providing the courier industry with expedited release.
*Your company will be recognized as a Trusted Trader under the CBSA's mutual recognition arrangements with: U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program; Japan Customs and *Tariff Bureau's Authorized Economic Operator program;  Korea Customs Service's Authorized Economic Operator program; Singapore Customs' Secure Trade Partnership (STP) program; and the Tax Administration Service of the United *Mexican States – New Scheme of Certified Companies (NEEC).


== Other Trusted Trader Programs ==
<div class="bc-cleanlist">
* <strong>Border Efficiency:</strong> Recognition as a Trusted Trader can save time at the border.
* <strong>Reduced Examinations:</strong> A reduced risk score results in a lower examination rate.
* <strong>FAST Eligibility:</strong> PIP is a prerequisite to apply for the [[FAST_(Free_and_Secure_Trade)_Information|Free and Secure Trade (FAST)]] benefit (if also participating in CSA).
* <strong>Expertise:</strong> Access to CBSA security assessments, awareness sessions, and expertise.
* <strong>Marketing:</strong> Ability to market your company as a secure, low-risk Trusted Trader.
* <strong>Portal Access:</strong> Access to the Trusted Trader Portal to manage membership documents easily.
* <strong>Courier LVS:</strong> Eligibility to participate in the Courier Low Value Shipment (LVS) program.
</div>


<h3>Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRA)</h3>
<p>Your company will be recognized as a Trusted Trader under CBSA's mutual recognition arrangements with similar international programs:</p>
<div class="bc-cleanlist">
* <strong>United States:</strong> C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism).
* <strong>Japan:</strong> Authorized Economic Operator program.
* <strong>Korea:</strong> Authorized Economic Operator program.
* <strong>Singapore:</strong> Secure Trade Partnership (STP) program.
* <strong>Mexico:</strong> Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program.
</div>
</div>


;FAST
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Related Trusted Trader Programs</h2>
:'''Free and Secure Trade''' is a joint initiative between [[US_Customs_and_Border_Protection_-_General_Information|CBP]] and [[Canada_Border_Services_Agency_-_General_Information|CBSA]] designed to enhance border security while speeding up the processing of low risk shipments. Carriers that are FAST approved for the U.S. are able to transport FAST shipments, and are afforded special processing at the border including dedicated lanes and front of line line processing in the case of inspections.


;CSA
<div class="bc-card">
:'''Customs Self Assessment''' allows for the clearance of goods imported by a CSA Approved importer and transported by a CSA Approved carrier. For a shipment to clear under CSA both the importer and carrier must be CSA Approved, and the driver must be registered with either the Commercial Driver Registration Program (CDRP) or the Free And Secure Trade (FAST) driver registration program.
<table class="wikitable" style="width: 100%;">
<tr>
<th style="width: 20%;">Program</th>
<th>Description</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>FAST</strong><br>(Free and Secure Trade)</td>
<td>A joint initiative between [[US_Customs_and_Border_Protection_-_General_Information|CBP]] and [[Canada_Border_Services_Agency_-_General_Information|CBSA]]. PIP membership is required for Canadian carriers to apply for FAST.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>CSA</strong><br>(Customs Self Assessment)</td>
<td>Allows for the clearance of goods imported by a CSA Approved importer and transported by a CSA Approved carrier. Often combined with PIP/FAST.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>C-TPAT</strong><br>(Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism)</td>
<td>The U.S. equivalent to PIP. A voluntary public-private sector supply chain security program led by CBP.</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>


;C-TPAT
<div class="bc-references">
:'''Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism''' is a voluntary public-private sector supply chain security program led by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Through this program, CBP works with the trade community to strengthen international supply chains and improve United States border security.
<references />
</div>
 
</div>


[[Category:Customs Compliance Guide]]
[[Category:Customs Compliance Guide]]

Latest revision as of 17:21, 6 February 2026

🔖 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.

Type: Trusted Trader Program Region: CBSA

Overview

The Partners In Protection (PIP) Logo

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 Evolution:

  • 1995: Developed with a focus on business awareness and compliance.
  • 2001: Focus shifted to trade chain security (physical/procedural).
  • 2002: PIP membership became a prerequisite for FAST participation.[1]

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.
  1. ↑ CBSA - Partners in Protection http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/security-securite/pip-pep/menu-eng.html
  2. ↑ http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/security-securite/pip-pep/about-apropos-eng.html#a5
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