Comments Due Soon on U.S.-Canada "Beyond Border" Action Items, Target Dates, Etc.

The Department of Homeland Security is seeking comments on the “Beyond the Border” Action Plan announced by President Obama and Prime Minister Harper on December 7, 2011. The plan, which sets specific actions and dates, is one of the agreed steps to help the two countries realize the goal of a “perimeter approach” to security and economic competiveness declared by the two leaders in February 2011.

Comments are due by January 9, 2012.

Outlines Steps Toward Cargo Security Integration, CTPAT-PIP Alignment, ‘Single Window,’ Etc.

The Beyond the Border (BTB) Action Plan outlines steps and dates to try to achieve goals such as (partial list):

• integrated cargo security strategy to reduce the need for rescreening of shipments at the land border;
• mutually recognizing air cargo security programs;
• harmonizing trans-border advance data requirements for cargo;
• aligning requirements and allow one submission for both the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and Canada’s Partners in Protection (PIP) programs;
• single “window” for importers to submit information needed to comply with customs and other regulations;
• harmonized low-value shipment processes.

For example, regarding advance data requirements, the two sides agree to (partial list):

• develop a common set of required data elements by June 30, 2012 for all modes of transport for advance security screening of cargo, including the targeted populations for collections, timing for collections, and what data elements are needed as a common set of elements for collection;
• identify and evaluate options by September 2012 under which trusted traders could use alternate processes and approaches to submit advance data elements, including examining whether and how, existing program flexibilities can be enhanced; and
• implement by December 2013 the common sets of required data, as well as any alternate processes and approaches for trusted traders.

See future issues for more of these BTB specific actions and dates, as well as the details of the related RCC regulatory action plan.

See ITT’s Online Archives 11120818 for summary of the U.S. and Canada presenting and agreeing to implement the BTB Action Plan and the related Action Plan by the Regulatory Cooperation Council.

See ITT’s Online Archives 11020729 for summary of the U.S.-Canada declaration on the new perimeter approach to security and trade.)

DHS information and the BTB Action Plan available here.

DHS Secretary Napolitano and DOT Secretary Lahood press 12/09/11 'read out' on plan available here.

Canadian documents available here.

DHS contact -- email BeyondtheBorder@hq.dhs.gov

(FR Pub 12/09/11, D/N DHS-2011-0115)