Canada and the U.S. this month launched a new border-clearance pilot project at the Port of Prince Rupert, geared at accelerating cargo movement while ensuring security.
The pilot project is based on a harmonized clearance approached developed by Canada and the U.S., which operates under the principle "cleared once, accepted twice."
The project is part of the Beyond the Border Action Plan announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and U.S. President Barack Obama on December 7, 2011.
The Port of Prince Rupert pilot is the first of a number of projects that will be undertaken in Canada and the U.S.
U.S. counsel general Anne Callaghan welcomed the projects.
"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 said in a news release.
Earlier this year, the Port of Prince Rupert announced a surge in its container volumes.
The port also recently won a victory against a protectionist lobby from the U.S., which alleged that the port was infringing trade treaties. The Port of Prince Rupert was vindicated when a U.S. inquiry rejected the allegations.
