CBSA Celebrates International Customs Day

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Jan. 26, 2015) - Canada Border Services Agency

Today, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) joins counterparts around the world in celebrating International Customs Day. This year's theme is Co-ordinated Border Management - an inclusive approach for connecting stakeholders. The CBSA supports the World Customs Organization (WCO)'s decision to highlight the importance of partnerships in meeting the trade and border security demands of the 21st century.

Border management is a shared international responsibility, and threats and opportunities arising from global migration and trade are dealt with most effectively by working together. The CBSA is considered a leader in global border management and currently chairs the "Border Five," an informal group of representatives from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Recognizing the importance of strong partnerships with stakeholders, the CBSA maintains a robust international network. Currently, the Agency has over 60 employees working in 47 locations around the world. The CBSA has also signed Customs Mutual Assistance Agreements with 10 international partners to date.

In 2015, the CBSA will continue to work collaboratively with external partners to support our common goals of international security, public safety and the facilitated flow of legitimate people and goods. Likewise, the Agency will continue to share best practices and lessons learned with other customs organizations, as well as enforcement partners around the world.

Quick Facts

• Every January 26, the World Customs Organization (WCO) and its members mark International Customs Day. This special day recognizes the efforts of the people working in customs organizations and their role in ensuring that communities remain safe, secure and prosperous.
  
  
• The Border Five group is an informal network of customs organizations from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, who came together with the intent of sharing best practices and advancing common interests at the WCO.
  
  
• The CBSA's International Network consists of more than 60 liaison officers based in Canadian missions around the world, who help protect the integrity and security of the Canadian border through a range of reporting, investigative and liaison activities.
  
  
• Customs Mutual Assistance Agreements are legally binding treaties governed by international public law that allow for the exchange of customs information between states, in order to facilitate the legitimate flow of people and goods, as well as to prevent and prosecute cross-border customs offences.
  
  

Quotes

"As part of International Customs Day, I am pleased to honour the work of the Canada Border Services Agency in keeping our borders safe and secure from external threats. Canada joins other World Customs Organization members in recognizing the important work of our border and customs officials."

The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

"International Customs Day is an excellent occasion to recognize the incredible work the CBSA does to strengthen international border security. Today, I am proud to celebrate the daily efforts of our officers at headquarters and on the frontlines - both in Canada and overseas - and how they all contribute to keeping Canada safe, strong and prosperous."

Luc Portelance, President, Canada Border Services Agency

Related Products

CBSA related news release: "Keeping Canadian families and communities safe"

Associated Links

International Customs Day (World Customs Organization)

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