Fact Sheet

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September 2002

Customs Data

Canada and the United States have many arrangements in place to formalize data sharing between the two countries, including agreements on:

• the exchange of customs-related intelligence information (1982);
• the sharing of research and development activities in the enforcement area (1983);
• the Agreement Regarding Mutual Assistance and Co-operation (1984); and
• the exchange of import data between the United States and Canada (1987).

Pursuant to the Smart Border Action Plan, additional exchanges were identified for development.

Fraud agreement

The co-operation arrangement for the exchange of information for the purposes of inquiries related to customs fraud. The arrangement was signed in December 2001.

NAFTA agreement

A memorandum of understanding for the exchange of NAFTA-related advanced rulings, results of origin determination, audit plans, and audit reports is being negotiated.

The Canadian and U.S. customs agencies are committed to sharing information to enhance protection and compliance, and to facilitate trade while respecting the rights of citizens and companies to privacy.

Statistics agreement

In 1987, the U.S. and Canadian statistical and customs agencies agreed to exchange data covering each country's imports from the other to permit the partner country to compile its export statistics. This agreement is now being updated.

For media information