Examination in All Modes
Date: March 1, 2022
Study : Gun Control
Classification: Unclassified
Branch / Agency: CBSA
- The CBSA uses an integrated and risk-based approach by assessing goods before they arrive in Canada, leveraging investments in data and technology to focus on high-risk importations.
- All shipments entering Canada are assessed for the risk they present to Canada and Canadians. In some cases this requires deeper and more intrusive inspections and examinations, in accordance with appropriate legal authorities, by officers at ports of entry, while in other areas we rely on data analytics, intelligence and the targeting of specific packages or containers.
- The CBSA leverages detection tools like X-ray technology and detector dogs to quickly and effectively identify contraband such as guns and drugs coming across the border.
- In 2021, the CBSA conducted over 220,000 commercial examinations, 25,000 more inspections than in 2020.
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- The CBSA has the necessary authorities in place to start this work, and will begin with some targeted proofs-of-concept to establish the concept of operations and determine the best place for future investment.
- The CBSA will continue to modernize the border in the coming years. The Agency will continue to grow its ability to identify high-risk shipments entering our country by preventing them from arriving in Canada through preclearance inspections in the United States, using advanced data analytics and intelligence, and working collaboratively with other law enforcement agencies, partners and stakeholders.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) uses Advance Commercial Information (ACI) in all modes to assess the risks associated with commercial conveyances and cargo bound for Canada. The CBSA uses a comprehensive approach to ensure that all carriers, including rail carriers, meet all requirements when submitting ACI data.
The CBSA screens goods coming into Canada and closely examines shipments that may pose a threat to the safety of Canadians. To determine which goods may warrant a closer inspection, CBSA Officers look for signs of deception and use intelligence and a risk-management approach.
CBSA Officers are highly trained in examination techniques to analyze risk and intercept prohibited goods from entering Canada. Officers use detection tools such as X-ray machines, ion mobility spectrometers, and detector dogs to expedite the examinations and identify non-compliance. Current examination policy states that when there are reasonable grounds to suspect that goods or conveyances are a threat to national security, an examination must be conducted at the First Point Of Arrival (FPOA).
When a target requiring further examination is identified, there are many factors which prevent CBSA officers from performing examinations at the first point of arrival. For example, in rail mode, [Redacted]:
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Where examinations cannot be carried out at the FPOA, the train has to move to the first subsequent point along the line where the CBSA can safely interdict and perform a proper examination (also known as First Point of Operational Intervention). [Redacted]
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Examinations of commercial shipments for trade (called “release examinations”) in all modes are carried out at their final destination and not at the First Point of Arrival.
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