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Therefore, the MRAs that Japan Customs has signed are as follows (see Figure 2.8 in blue):
 New Zealand (May 2008),
 USA (June 2009),
 EU and Canada (June 2010),
 Korea (May 2011),
 Singapore (June 2011),
 Malaysia (June 2014)
 Hong Kong China (August 2016)
Moreover, the Japanese Customs is undertaking numerous consulting studies with China,
Chinese Taipei, Switzerland, Thailand and Australia (see Figure 2.8 in green) in order to sign
an MRA. Two elements are indispensable for a mutual recognition agreement which are: a
well-established IT system for Customs procedures and a well-functioning channel to exchange
information.
2.2.3 The Canadian Case
Evolution of the AEO program
Canada’s AEO program, the Partners in Protection (PIP), is defined by the Canada Border
Services Agency (CBSA) as a “cooperative program between private industry and CBSA aimed
at enhancing border and trade chain security”. This program was launched in 1995 as a
voluntary program with no membership fee and encompasses, according to WCO (2018),
1,838 operators varying between importers, exporters, carriers (rail, sea, air, highway),
Customs brokers, couriers, warehouse operators, freight forwarders, shipping agents. The
main objective of the program is to streamline and increase efficiency of border processes for
its recognized operators.
Initially, PIP focused on preventing smuggling and enhancing compliance with regulations
among the program’s participants. After the events of September 11th, 2001, PIP was modified
to include additional measures against terrorism. In 2007, decision was made to invest 11.6
million CAD (10.8 million USD) in modifying security criteria to be more like the US C-TPAT
and to provide benefits to companies in order to facilitate trade. The last upgrade was achieved
in 2008 for the program to be fully compatible with the WCO’s SAFE Framework and to
conclude an eventual MRA with the US.
The target group of the PIP program is the private sector involved in the international
movement of goods. Sectors included are agriculture, forestry and fishing, manufacturing,
wholesale and retail trade, transportation and storage.
To join the PIP program, applicants must satisfy one of the following criteria:
 Be directly involved in cross-border trade as: importers, exporters, carriers (highway,
marine, air, or rail), courier, Customs brokers, freight forwarders, shipping agents, or
warehouse operators,
 Own or operate facilities in Canada related to the import or export of commercial
goods,
 Be a US highway carrier company that is a member of, or is applying for membership
with, FAST Canada.