Canadian companies that do business across international borders can now apply for federal loans to upgrade their security standards to comply with C-TPAT.
The Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism is a voluntary worldwide effort to secure trade through an electronic data filing system in the supply chain. It affects importers, carriers, consolidators, licensed custom brokers and manufacturers, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Export Development Canada, a federal arm of the government that supplies financial assistance, insurance and bonding to entrepreneurs, is offering loans for up to 85 percent of the costs associated with C-TPAT compliance, up to $150,000.
Applicants must be Canadian, an importer of record into the U.S. and must have been in business for at least three years.
The EDC Web site for financial information is www.edc.ca/English/financing_security_compliance.htm.
