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iv. A final review at CBSA headquarters is performed before approval or denial of
application is submitted and an official decision letter is sent.
v. At last, the company is invited to sign the Terms and Conditions of PIP Membership,
which include conditions maintaining PIP’s minimum security criteria and providing
any updates to their information in a timely manner.
Revalidation and Monitoring
Approved PIP members are revalidated at least once every 4 years, in which an updated
security profile, risk assessment, and on-site validation are performed. PIP members are also
subject to routine monitoring and ad-hoc site visits to ensure compliance. Non-compliance
with PIP program requirements is addressed through action plans, corrective actions and
verification of the corrective actions prior to re-certification. If the action plan is not resolved
within a set period of time, a time extension, suspension, or cancellation of the member from
the program may be considered.
Benefits of the AEO Program
Members of PIP enjoy a better communication with the CSBA and a large scope of benefits to
which they are entitled as AEOs. These include:
 Greater security for the PIP companies, increased knowledge about Customs
regulations and an overall better relation with the Customs Authorities.
 Shorter time for shipment clearance, increased predictability, lower storage and
transit time and cost as well as increased benefits to traders due to trade facilitation.
 Lower rate of physical examinations.
 Better access to the authorities via a single contact in Customs.
 Fast lanes at certain ports.
 Enhanced industry marketability as an accredited low-risk company.
 Recognition by international Customs administrations and inclusion into MRAs with
third countries.
Organizational Structure of the Customs for the AEO Program
Effective April 1st, 2010, the CBSA Pre-Border Programs Directorate of the Programs Branch is
the authority in charge for the PIP program. More precisely, the “Directorate’s Trusted Traders
Programs Division” manages the PIP. The Division is divided into six units, three of which are
involved in the program:
 “The National Trusted Traders Unit” is the principle point of contact for the regions
and is in charge of carrying out risk assessments for all trusted traders’ programs,
including PIP.
 “The International and Bilateral Trusted Traders Unit” is in charge of developing the
program’s strategy and policies. It also promotes for PIP and is responsible for
relations with third countries and eventual MRAs.
 “The Program Support and Monitoring Trusted Traders Unit” is responsible for
developing and monitoring service standards and performance indicators for all
Trusted Traders programs.