What is the Canada Border Services Agency?

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) was created on December 12, 2003 by virtue of the Canada Border Services Agency Act. Under Section 5(1) of said Act, the CBSA is responsible for providing integrated border services that support national security and public safety priorities and facilitate the free flow of persons and goods, including animals and plants, that meet all requirements under the program legislation by:

(a) supporting the administration or enforcement, or both, as the case may be, of the program legislation;

(b) implementing agreements between the Government of Canada or the Agency and a foreign state or a public body performing a function of government in a foreign state to carry out an activity, provide a service or administer a tax or program;

(c) implementing agreements between the Government of Canada or the Agency and the government of a province or other public body performing a function of the Government in Canada to carry out an activity, provide a service or administer a tax or program;

(d) implementing agreements or arrangements between the Agency and departments or agencies of the Government of Canada to carry out an activity, provide a service or administer a program; and

(e) providing cooperation and support, including advice and information, to other departments and agencies of the Government of Canada to assist them in developing, evaluating and implementing policies and decisions in relation to program legislation for which they have responsibility.

The CBSA implements the provisions of the Customs Act of Canada. Under the Customs Act, the CBSA shall have the following powers:
• ensure the collection of duties or taxes levied on imported goods;
• control the movement of people and goods into and out of Canada; and
• protect Canadian industry from real or potential injury caused by the actual or contemplated import of dumped or subsidized goods and by other forms of unfair competition.

By virtue of the amendments of the Customs Act of 2009, the CBSA has the authority to provide facility for all commercial trade chain members to electronically submit trade information in advance of their shipment's arrival in Canada. Being notified in advance of the trade information of shipment arrivals in Canada will ensure better and more secured way to protect the Canadian industry from potential damage caused by the actual or contemplated importation of dumped goods and other forms of unfair competition. For more information visit the Canada Border Services Agency eManifest Portal.


References:

Canada Border Services Agency Act

Customs Act