TORONTO, Ont. The Partners in Protection (PIP) program that carriers involved in transborder transportation have become familiar with is undergoing a face lift and the industry should expect changes, Laura Poirier, senior program officer with Canada Border Services Agency told the Infonex Conference on Customs Compliance and Supply Chain Security yesterday.

“We have been reviewing PIP in relation to the WCO Framework on Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade. We’ve also been mandated to make PIP more compatible with C-TPAT (a similar US security program),” Poirier said. “We will be implementing new minimum security requirements for all modes and they will be compatible with C-TPAT. Just because you are a part of PIP now does not mean you will be a part of PIP in the future unless you meet the new minimum requirements.”

The two-day Infonex Customs Compliance and Supply Chain Security conference has brought together leading experts in the field to update transportation professionals on anticipated legislative issues and discuss issues. The event is sponsored by Truck News’ sister publication, Canadian Transportation & Logistics.

The PIP program was initially designed to enlist the cooperation of industry in enhancing border security, and combating terrorism and organized crime. This is accomplished through a signed agreement with Canada Customs. This is a “good will” agreement and is not legally binding. Participants complete a self-assessment of their security measures by answering a security questionnaire. However, to participate in the FAST (Free and Secure Trade) program allowing expedited border clearance for hauls into Canada, carriers must be part of PIP.

Poirier said there are 1480 companies approved so far for the PIP program, 70% of them carriers. Another 300 plus applications are in various stages of approval. All trade chain participants are eligible for PIP.

For more information, go to www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/general/enforcement/partners