Container Security Initiative

The Container Security Initiative (CSI) is a multinational program that protects the primary system of global trade - containerized shipping - from being exploited or disrupted by terrorists. It is designed to safeguard global maritime trade while allowing cargo containers to move faster and more efficiently through the supply chain at seaports worldwide.

Under the Smart Border Action Plan, Canada and the United States are working together to enhance the security of our shared border while facilitating the legitimate flow of people and goods. In an effort to further harmonize commercial processes, the CBSA has partnered with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in the Container Security Initiative (CSI).

The CSI is an extension of the Advance Commercial Information (ACI) Initiative, which was implemented in April 2004 and allows the CBSA to target and interdict potential terrorism threats before they reach our shores. Through the CSI program, CBSA officers are deployed to foreign seaports to pre-screen and examine cargo containers before they are loaded aboard a vessel destined to Canada. CBP implemented the CSI program in 2002 and has officers stationed in 40 foreign seaports.

Working Together to Secure Our Border

The CBSA and CBP signed a Container Security Initiative Partnership Arrangement in October 2005. This partnership reaffirms Canada's role in the international fight against terrorism and other transnational crimes and will allow Canada and the U.S. to combine expertise and resources to protect the North American border. In this way, Canada can achieve far greater security for marine trade than by working on its own.

The partnership further demonstrates the commitments made by Canada and the U.S. under the Smart Border Action Plan and the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America.

Additional Resources

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection