Port of Prince Rupert pilots Canada-US cargo screening project

23 Oct 2012 - Port Planning, Security and Logistics

The Port of Prince Rupert, British Colombia, Canada. Image: Miguelphotoboth | Flickr

• Canadian port becomes first marine facility to implement new Integrated Cargo Security Strategy

The Port of Prince Rupert has become the first marine facility to implement a new cargo screening project as part of a new Canada-US security agreement.

Under the new pilot project, the Integrated Cargo Security Strategy, any cargo arriving at the port must be screened upon arrival, which when cleared, will be free to move across the Canada-US border without the need for additional screening.

The program, part of the Beyond the Border Action plan signed by Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and President Obama, was officially launched on Monday, however the project has been in operation since the start of October.

“The pilots that will be implemented under the Integrated Cargo Security Strategy are key to the ongoing efforts to facilitate legitimate trade while still maintaining our security mission at the border,” said US counsel 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,” she added.

The primary focus of the project will be cargo arriving at the port destined for the US by rail, which will be subjected to both a risk assessment by the US National Targeting Centre (NTC) and an examination by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) on behalf of US Customs and Border Protection (US CBP) for security and contraband.

Border officials will be able to monitor cargo that has undergone the screening process by referring to information on cargo bolt seals.