Prince Rupert pilot program aimed at strengthening cargo security

Port of Prince Rupert

A pilot cargo screening program underway at Canada’s Port of Prince Rupert in British Columbia allows cargo entering the facility to be screened and then freely move across the Canadian/U.S. border without further inspection.

The Prince Rupert pilot, announced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Canadian authorities on Oct. 23, is part of the Beyond the Border pact signed by the two countries in December.

The pilot at Prince Rupert began in early October, focusing on maritime cargo arriving at Prince Rupert, that was subsequently moved via rail, entering the U.S. at International Falls, MN.

The pilot program is part of the Integrated Cargo Security Strategy, contained in the Beyond the Border Action Plan. The pilot, said CBP, focuses on harmonizing the screening process for maritime cargo between the two countries.

“The Prince Rupert pilot implemented under the Integrated Cargo Security Strategy is key to the ongoing efforts to facilitate legitimate trade while still maintaining our security mission at the border,” said U.S. consul general Anne Callaghan. “Harmonization of the cargo screening processes between the United States and Canada should result in a more efficient and secured supply chain and increased competitive economic posture.”

“The Canada-U.S. relationship is one of the world’s greatest trade success stories and we are working together not just at the border, but beyond the border, to increase our shared prosperity,” said the Ed Fast, minister of International Trade and minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway. “Accelerating the movement of secure cargo between our two countries will contribute to job creation, strong economic growth and greater long-term prosperity for hard working Canadians and their families.”

The Beyond the Border Declaration released in February articulated a shared vision in which the U.S. and Canada would work together to address threats at the earliest point possible while facilitating the legitimate movement of people, and cargo across the shared border. The Action Plan, released on December 2011, outlines the specific steps our countries intend to take to achieve the security and economic competitiveness goals outlined in the Beyond the Border Declaration.