ONE IN FIVE HIGH-RISK EXPORTS NEVER INSPECTED AT BORDER

ONE IN FIVE HIGH-RISK EXPORTS NEVER INSPECTED AT BORDER

OTTAWA, ON — A new report from Canada’s Auditor General has found that one in five high-risk shipments flagged by the Canada Border Services Agency is never inspected.

Auditor General Michael Ferguson’s report notes that exports are vital to Canada’s economy and prosperity, but issues such as CBSA staffing deficiencies and coverage during vacations and sick leaves are threatening border security.

Ferguson found that CBSA also relies on export declarations as a key method for identifying high-risk shipments, but that the agency is often not able to review all declarations. Further complicating the issue is that some exports are exempt from the requirement to be declared to the agency, such as shipments under $2,000, and the agency has limited authority to examine undeclared exports.

In a recommendation, Ferguson writes, “The Canada Border Services Agency should develop processes to assess risks, measure its effectiveness in acting on its priorities, and respond to priorities and targets identified through risk assessments by other government departments.”

The report also found that 11 percent of exporters’ goods were detained for more than a week, creating a “major impact” on corporate operations.

In 2014, Canada’s export of goods totalled $529 billion, making up 27 percent of Canada’s gross domestic product.
By Today's Trucking Staff, Posted: Feb 5, 2016 12:36 PM