US, Canada launch Prince Rupert pilot for cross-border trade
Canada and the U.S. have launched a pilot project at the Port of Prince Rupert, British Columbia, to facilitate trade and enhance cargo security at their border as part of the Integrated Cargo Security Strategy in the Beyond the Border Action Plan, the Journal of Commerce reports.
The launch was announced on Oct. 21 by Ed Fast, Canadian minister of international trade and minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway; Jim Nealon, deputy chief of mission from the U.S. Embassy; and U.S. Consul General Anne Callaghan.
The project at the Port of Prince Rupert screens inbound marine cargo arriving from offshore and expedites it across the border under the principle “cleared once, accepted twice.”
It is the first of a number of pilots to be undertaken by the U.S. and Canada to harmonize cargo screening processes.