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How to Sign up for Partners in Protection (PIP Program)

What is PIP and  How to Sign up for  Partners in Protection (PIP Program)

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PIP means Partners in Protection. This is a program that was initiated to help to detect and prevent smuggling, fight organized crime and terrorism and secure the supply chain, one partnership at a time. It has no membership fee. Partners in Protection is a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) program and it was developed in the year 1995. The goal of PIP is to promote business awareness and compliance with customs regulations.

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     After the bombing attack on September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center, the interest in how to sign up for Partners In Protection (PIP Program) has grown.  The Partners in Protection program has changed its goal to give more importance on trade chain security that encourages members to expand their physical, infrastructure and procedural security. The importance of this program was increased in the year 2002 when a PIP membership required participating in the FAST (Free and Secure Trade) program. FAST gives expedited border clearances into Canada for approved importers, carriers and drivers. 

How to Sign up for Partners in Protection (PIP Program)   On June 30, 2008, the Canada Border Services Agency introduced a modernized PIP program. It imposes security requirements; mandatory site validations; denial, suspension, cancellation, reinstatement and appeal policies and procedures; and an automated application process. The modernized program ensure that it is better to line up with international standards like the Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade and the Authorized Economic Operator concept of the World Customs Organization.

It has been also recognized as compatible with the US Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program and made them enter into a Mutual Recognition Arrangement on June 28, 2008, when the Canada Border Services Agency signed an arrangement with the US Customs and Border Protection. The arrangement improved cross-border security and the similarity of PIP and C TPAT program allow users to manage mutual recognition arrangements with other companies that have the same goals.

How to Sign up for Partners in Protection (PIP Program) Categories in Partners in Protection program
* A member has the advantage of the benefits of PIP aside from receiving information and updates and participating in program consultations.

     Eligibility Criteria
1. It must be in one of the authorized eligible business categories like importer, exporter, air carrier, rail carrier, marine carrier, highway carrier, customs broker, courier, warehouse operator, freight forwarder and shipping agent.
2. The applicant must have or operate facilities in Canada that involves import or export of commercial goods.
3. The applicant must have a good record of compliance with the Canada Border Services Agency.

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If certain companies based in the US do not meet the eligibility criteria, they are not qualified to apply for the modernized PIP program. Canada Border Services Agency recognizes C TPAT approval. Application to and approval in the PIP program is still mandatory for highway carrier companies based in US.

 How to Sign up for  Partners in Protection (PIP Program) Eligibility Criteria
1. Companies that are not qualified for PIP membership but are linked to trade in commercial goods.
2. Potential associates include associations, companies, groups, port authorities, lawyers and consultants.

How to Sign up for Partners in Protection (PIP Program)  Application Process for Partners in Protection
Companies use the Security profile to apply for membership. They must first e-mail pip-pep@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca for a working copy of the Security Profile. They must then complete the profile and then send it back to the same e-mail address. They must clearly demonstrate in their completed security profile that they meet all the minimum-security requirements. Submitting or omitting false information is reason for rejection.

A CBSA officer will do a review and assessment to the submitted security profile. After it has been reviewed, a regional CBSA intelligence officer will follow up by scheduling site validation and this will confirm the information provided. Then the intelligence officer will make an assessment report about the findings. PIP validation is not required for an applicant if the US C TPAT has validated it within the last two years. PIP membership renewal and site validation will be required every three years.

The memorandum of understanding is for information purposes only and voluntary. A company representative and the CBSA sign this. It contains the roles and responsibilities as partners and reminds that members can be removed or suspended from the PIP program.
Those who are interested on How to Sign up for Partners in Protection (PIP Program) should contact pip-pep@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca for an application form.

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