Q: Where Can I get information about the changes to US Customs Regulations effective December 2004?

A:  Select this link for more information  

Q: Has the U.S. Food & Drug Agency Implemented a new Prior Notification program?

A:  Yes, effective Dec 12, 2003 all U.S. domestic and Non-United States. facilities that manufacture, process, pack or hold food for human or animal consumption in the United States must register with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

They will be responsible for advanced notification on all affected shipments from 2 to 8 hours prior to arrival, depending on mode of transportation.

The above is part of the U.S. "Bioterrorism Act"

Q:  Can a company be GST exempt?

A:  Generally companies are not GST exempt. There are a couple exceptions that may allow a company to be GST exempt.

A company set up and operating on an Indian Reservation controlled by the Indian Band, or
A company that manufactures and exports at least 85% of their products can qualify for GST exemption provided they apply to CBSA for an exemption certificate.

This program is referred to Exporters of Processed Services (EOPS) and more information can be obtained by calling our office.

Q:  What is the FAST Program?

A:  It is a joint Canada - U.S. initiative involving Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Citizenship and Immigration Canada, the United States Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Harmonized commercial process offered to Pre-Approved Importers, Carriers and Registered Drivers. These shipments will be cleared into either country with greater speed and at reduced costs.

Q: What does CSA, PIP and C-TPAT stand for?

A:

CSA: Customs Self Assessment
This is a Canadian program that forms part of the FAST program. The benefits of the program are a streamlined accounting and payment process for all imported goods and streamlined clearance option for all CSA eligible goods when an approved carrier and registered driver are involved.

PIP: Partners in Protection
Again another Canadian program that is also part of the FAST program. The main purpose is to establish a partnership between the Canadian company and CBSA to strengthen efforts to enhance border security, combat organized crime and terrorism, increase awareness of customs compliance issues and to help detect and prevent contraband smuggling.

C-TPAT: Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism

This is the United States validation program under FAST.
It is a process through which the Customs Service meets with company representatives to ensure supply chain security measures are accurate, build a stronger partnership with Customs, share "Best Practices" and cooperatively develop solutions to address potential vulnerabilities.

For more Acronyms Click here

Q: Under the new AMPS (Administrative Monetary Penalty System) program, can I be penalized for not having a NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) Certificate from a United States supplier that is "Out of Business" 

A: Yes, you must have a valid NAFTA certificate on file and it must be kept for 7 years.   For example: During a Customs post audit review, you may be asked to produce a NAFTA from a supplier in 1999. Upon request by the CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) if you cannot produce the NAFTA Certificate you will be fined $500.00 for the first offence and after the 4th offence for not producing a NAFTA certificate the penalty is $25,000.00. 

Q: What is AMPS and when does it take effect?

A: AMPS is acronym for Administrative Monetary Penalty System.  It has been developed by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).  AMPS took effect on  October 7, 2002.  For more information on AMPS please go the CCRA website noted in our LINKS section

Q: What are CSA and ACI and when do they take effect?

A: CSA is acronym for Customs Self Assessment and ACI is acronym for Advance Customs Information.  CBSA use many Acronyms and you can find a list attached to this website. 

Customs Self Assessment is a clearance system that must be approved by CBSA in advance by an audit of your accounting systems.  This system is now in operation.  As of January 3, 2003 10 companies nationally have been approved.  Advance Customs Information will not come into effect completely until approximately October 2003.  The system will be very similar to the current PARS (Pre arrival Release System).  

One of the first steps towards ACI is mandatory H.S. (Harmonized System).  Harmonized System is the tariff code used to identify the description of the imported goods.  The mandatory use of H.S. began May 1, 2002.  

Q: What are your hours of service?

A: Our Canadian & United States locations are open 24hrs to better service you our valued customer.

Q: What is NEXUS?

A: NEXUS is a joint customs and immigration program for frequent travellers that both the Canadian and American governments have implemented. The NEXUS program is designed to simplify border crossings for pre-approved, low-risk travellers.