Implementation represents concrete step forward to accelerate the speed
of trade
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Jan. 8, 2013 /CNW/ - UPS congratulates the Canadian and
U.S. governments on the announcement of a newer, harmonized customs
ceiling for low value shipments. Harmonized for Canada and the United
States, the higher ceiling aims to ensure that a higher volume of goods
can move faster between the two countries to bolster the trade
relationship.
Low value shipments between Canada and the U.S. qualify for expedited
customs clearance. The new harmonized ceiling for Canada and the U.S.
is $2,500. Canada raised its limit from $1,600 to $2,500 CAD while the
U.S. has increased its threshold to $2,500 from $2,000 USD. The change
represents the Canadian government's successful implementation of a key
item in the Beyond the Border Economic Action Plan, which aims to
enhance trade through efficient movement of goods and regulation
harmonization at the border.
UPS holds a unique perspective as one of the largest transporters of
goods across the Canada-U.S. border.
"Canadian and U.S. businesses are the true beneficiaries of the Beyond
the Border Action Plan and this change," said Mike Tierney, president,
UPS Canada. "Each day, more than $1 billion worth of goods crosses our
common border, bringing the annual value of traded goods to more than
$580 billion. Yet, every year $16 billion in trade activity has been
lost due to border delays. This change will allow for swifter movement
of goods for importers and exporters of all sizes."
Since its original implementation, the program offering faster clearance
for low value shipments has been successful in ensuring timely movement
of shipments without compromising security. The program expedites
release using the practice of reporting goods to the Canada Border
Services Agency (CBSA), before goods arrive at the border, permitting
Customs review/targeting and fostering a secure trade environment.
Low value shipments are specific to carriers authorized to use the
provisions of the low value shipment processing system, such as UPS,
allowing goods to be released for delivery on the day of arrival.
Canada's Minister for International Trade, Ed Fast, confirmed the
government's commitment to continuing its timely implementation of the
Beyond the Border Action Plan. "Items in the action plan focus on
ensuring security at the Canada-U.S. border while improving processes
to positively impact businesses, travellers, the economy and jobs. This
low value shipment customs harmonization will enhance speed of goods to
market, which is a critical component to a successful trade model."
The efficient and newly harmonized low value shipment process translates
into significant benefits for Canadian importers, including:
-
Improved certainty for delivery of critical goods
-
Improved operational efficiencies and supply chain management
-
Better allocation of resources for CBSA toward higher risk priorities
-
Support of a trade-friendly environment which offers Canadian importers
and exporters opportunities to grow trade activity with the U.S.
About UPS
UPS (NYSE:UPS) is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range
of solutions including the transportation of packages and freight; the
facilitation of international trade, and the deployment of advanced
technology to more efficiently manage the world of business.
Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., UPS serves more than 220 countries and
territories worldwide. The company can be found on the web at UPS.com
and its corporate blog can be found at blog.ups.com. To get UPS news
direct, visit pressroom.ups.com/RSS.
SOURCE: UPS Canada Ltd.
