Terror-protection certification to ease way for exports to U.S.By PETERS (rewrite) Business Reporter - The Chronicle HeraldMay 17, 2007
Atlantic Canada’s manufacturers will have a chance to join an anti-terrorist program that will help them get their products to U.S. markets faster.Under the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, manufacturers can be designated low-risk importers by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.The Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Association of New Brunswick will help companies obtain the program certification.Peter Giffin, a spokesman for Nova Scotia Business Inc., one of the program’s funding partners, said having the certification will substantially quicken the movement of products over the border.He said being part of the program means a company has met all the security standards at its plant, such as fencing, surveillance cameras and container inspection.Mr. Giffin said the certification process initially will take about two years. The Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Association of New Brunswick, which has received $110,000 in federal funding to help implement the program, will select applications from about 30 Atlantic Canadian companies wanting to participate.The association will hire a consultant who will provide the selected companies — about seven from each province — with the proper guidance to achieve certification. By providing the consultant for the first group, Mr. Giffin said it is hoped the process will eventually be trimmed from two years to less than six months.Companies interested in learning more about the program can contact David Plante at 506-861-9071.
Atlantic Canada’s manufacturers will have a chance to join an anti-terrorist program that will help them get their products to U.S. markets faster.
Under the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, manufacturers can be designated low-risk importers by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Association of New Brunswick will help companies obtain the program certification.
Peter Giffin, a spokesman for Nova Scotia Business Inc., one of the program’s funding partners, said having the certification will substantially quicken the movement of products over the border.
He said being part of the program means a company has met all the security standards at its plant, such as fencing, surveillance cameras and container inspection.
Mr. Giffin said the certification process initially will take about two years.
The Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Association of New Brunswick, which has received $110,000 in federal funding to help implement the program, will select applications from about 30 Atlantic Canadian companies wanting to participate.
The association will hire a consultant who will provide the selected companies — about seven from each province — with the proper guidance to achieve certification. By providing the consultant for the first group, Mr. Giffin said it is hoped the process will eventually be trimmed from two years to less than six months.
Companies interested in learning more about the program can contact David Plante at 506-861-9071.