Secure Trade programs will help you become a trusted trader partner and make sure your business meets minimum security standards and guidelines set by Customs Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Customs Border Protection (CBP).
Trusted Trader Programs are provided by both the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the CBP in North America. The bi-national Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program, CBP's Customs-Trade Partnership against Terrorism (C-TPAT), and CBSA's Partners in Protection (PIP) are a few examples.
Certified companies are also assigned a dedicated Supply Chain Security Specialist. This specialist, employed by the CTPAT program, works closely with the company to help them maintain their certification and address any potential security vulnerabilities. This personalized support is provided free of charge to certified companies.
C-TPAT Certification Benefits:
Eligible highway carriers, importers, customs brokers can voluntarily participate in this terrorism avoidance initiative.
Partners in Protection (PIP) is a certification program by the Canadian government for compliance and security. It’s voluntary, meaning companies choose to join and there are no fees involved.
PIP is like Canada’s version of C-TPAT, a similar program in the United States. Both aim to improve border and trade chain security, fight terrorism, and stop smuggling with the help of private businesses.
For Canadian companies, being part of PIP is a requirement to join Free and Secure Trade (FAST), a program for quicker border clearance.
Joining PIP not only gives access to FAST but also brings other benefits like special treatment from fellow PIP members, better security in the supply chain, and meeting government standards for compliance and security.
The Customs Self-Assessment Program is voluntary program, often called CSA, is a special program made for carriers and importers who are pre-approved. It’s managed by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). In this program, carriers and importers who are part of CSA usually use drivers who are approved through other programs like FAST (Free and Secure Trade) or CDRP (Commercial Driver Registration Program) to bring goods into Canada. This means they have to spend less time and effort on paperwork compared to those who aren’t registered with FAST or CDRP.
The main benefit of the CSA program is that it helps you save money and time at the border. When a truck from a CSA-approved carrier, bringing goods for a CSA-approved importer, arrives at the border, it gets processed faster because there are fewer rules and paperwork to deal with. So, being part of CSA can really speed things up and make it easier for businesses to move goods across the border.
CSA certification is available to low-risk, pre-approved importers, carriers, and registered drivers.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the United States Customs and Border Protection (U.S. CBP) have joined forces to enhance border and trade chain security. They’ve developed the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) Program to make cross-border commercial trade easier. This optional program promotes the use of customs best practices to fight terrorism, smuggling, and other organized crimes.
To enroll in the FAST program, registration in CSA & PIP is required.
Highway carriers approved under the FAST program will enjoy several advantages:
Bonded carriers are companies who transport goods across international borders. In Canada, these carriers can move goods beyond the initial port of entry to specific locations without needing customs clearance. This ability is granted because they have provided financial security, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). This security ensures that they comply with regulations and fulfill their responsibilities while transporting goods.
Carriers who possess a bond can transport shipments that are designated as in-bond. The in-bond process begins when the bonded carrier decides to categorize the shipment as in-bond rather than releasing it at the border and this is how the in-bond process takes place:
Benefits of Bonded Carrier:
SmartWay Certification is for freight carriers, shippers, and logistics companies. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWay Certification acknowledges dedication to reducing emissions and enhancing fuel efficiency. This voluntary program mandates annual submission of documented emissions data. Participation in SmartWay Certification earns EPA recognition, signaling to potential customers your commitment to sustainability. Consequently, this can lead to increased business opportunities.
SmartWay Certification relies on performance benchmarks and environmental guidelines set by the EPA. Meeting specific criteria is essential in the following areas:
If you drive or manage trucks that operate in California (even if it is just passing through) must follow CARB regulations, no matter where it is registered and MUST obtain CARB Clean Truck Certificate.
CARB certification is essential to staying within the law and keeping your trucks on the road. These rules are designed to reduce air pollution, and failing to follow them can lead to heavy fines.
CARB Compliance Requirements:
In-state and out-of-state diesel trucks (meaning commercial trucks from inside or outside California) that are heavier than 14,000 pounds, need to pass the Clean Truck Check. Although CARB regulations apply to several types of vehicles as well, this article is focused on truckers and carrier companies, so we will limit the discussion to them.
It is essential to make sure your vehicles meet CARB standards. CARB performs inspections at various locations, including:
If your truck is non-compliant, CARB can issue penalties, which could include fines ranging from $1,000 to $75,000 per day.
How to Get a CARB Certificate:
TRU Registration for your Reefer Units:
If you operate Reefer units (refrigerated trailers), you are required to enroll in the Transport Refrigeration Unit (TRU) program in addition to completing the Clean Truck registration for your truck.
This process is crucial to meet emission standards and avoid penalties.
Gather Required Information:
Reefer Engine Information, which includes:
Complete the Registration on ARBER (Air Resources Board Equipment Registration)
Make the Payment:
Print the Compliance Certificate:
This certificate is proof that your reefer unit complies with CARB regulations and must be readily available for verification.
By following this process, you ensure that your reefer units meet California’s regulatory standards and remain in compliance, avoiding fines or operational disruptions.
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