Minister Goodale Announces Mutual Recognition Arrangement with Israel

From: Canada Border Services Agency

News Release

The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, following his meeting with Israeli Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan, today formally announced the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) with the Israel Tax Authority (ITA) regarding their respective Trusted Trader programs. 

Trusted Trader programs enhance the security and integrity of the global supply chain through the establishment of customs to business partnerships and by providing streamlined border processes to pre-approved, low-risk traders. 

This MRA signifies that the CBSA’s Partners in Protection program members will be recognized by, and receive trade facilitation benefits from, the ITA. The CBSA will reciprocate by providing similar benefits to members of Israel’s Authorized Economic Operator program. 

Border management is a shared international responsibility. Threats and opportunities arising from global migration and trade are dealt with most effectively by working together. Expanding the international network of accredited low-risk companies allows customs administrations to focus on targeting shipments of higher or unknown risk.

Quotes

“The signing of a Mutual Recognition Arrangement with the Israel Tax Authority is a reflection of the great cooperation between customs administrations aimed at achieving the common goals of growing our economies by facilitating trade; keeping our citizens safe by recognizing our low-risk traders; focusing our respective resources on higher or unknown risk; and strengthening our relationships.” 

The Honourable Ralph Goodale
Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

“This Mutual Recognition Arrangement with the Israel Tax Authority is the Canada Border Services Agency’s first in the Middle East region, and represents our joint commitment to strengthening trade relations without compromising on security.” 

John Ossowski
President, Canada Border Services Agency

Quick Facts

    • The signing of the MRA previously took place on the margins of the World Customs Organization Council Sessions in Brussels, Belgium earlier in July 2017.

     

    • Since the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement entered into force in 1997, bilateral merchandise trade has more than tripled, from $507 million (in 1996) to nearly $1.7 billion (in 2016). The MRA with ITA is the CBSA’s first in the Middle East region.

     

    • In addition to the MRA with Israel, the CBSA has signed MRAs with the Customs Administrations of Australia, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, South Korea and the United States.

     

    • In addition to MRAs, Canada establishes Customs Mutual Assistance Agreements (CMAAs) to share customs information to prevent, investigate and combat customs offences. CMAAs are legally binding treaties governed by international public law, and represent a major component of the CBSA’s international engagement aimed at advancing global border management.

     

    • Recently, a Canada-Chile CMAA came into force on May 10, 2017, and a Canada-Argentina CMAA was signed on May 15, 2017. In addition to Argentina and Chile, Canada has CMAAs with China, the European Community, France, Germany, Israel, Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, and the United States.

Associated Links

Contacts

Dan Brien
Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
613-998-5681

Canada Border Services Agency
Media Line
613-957-6500

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