An efficient and competitive North American economy is vital for the prosperity of Canadians, Americans, and Mexicans across the continent.
To ensure our shared economy remains efficient and competitive, we will reduce barriers to trade and commerce between our three countries, and streamline the flow of legitimate goods and trusted travelers across our borders.
Canada, the United States, and Mexico are committed to ensure that we share the most efficient and secure borders in the world. Together, we will build on progress to date, and work to improve border infrastructure, align customs procedures, and expand our use of advanced technology, so we can safely and quickly move our people and goods throughout North America, and increase economic prosperity and opportunities for all of our citizens.
Trusted Traveller Arrangement
Through the establishment of the North American Trusted Traveller Arrangement, Canada, the United States, and Mexico will facilitate the movement of frequent travellers between our three countries.
By the end of 2016, Canadian and American citizens who are members of the NEXUS Program will be eligible to apply to the Viajero Confiable Program, providing them with expedited immigration screening upon arrival at select international airports in Mexico.
The arrangement will also allow Mexican nationals who are members of the Viajero Confiable Program to apply for the NEXUS Program, making them eligible for expedited processing at land ports of entry and upon arrival at nine major airports in Canada and over 40 international airports in the United States.
Expanding the scope and eligibility of programs like NEXUS and Viajero Confiable supports North America’s economic growth and competitiveness by simplifying travel between countries, and by reducing border crossing times for low-risk, pre-approved travellers. As an additional measure, officials from all three countries will explore the development of a single online application portal for North America’s trusted traveller programs.
Simplified Border Processing for North America
Simple and efficient border processing is a key priority for Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Customs authorities from all three countries are each leading efforts to provide businesses with a national single window online portal where they can submit information required to comply with respective border regulations. This approach will allow for the integrated collection and dissemination of commercial data.
As Canada, the United States, and Mexico each advance their national single online portals, all three countries commit to align processes and requirements to the greatest extent possible. To support this approach, all three countries will undertake a joint study to prioritize and propose implementation strategies, and to determine if trilateral alignment is possible.
Moving forward, we will explore other options to increase dialogue on border-related issues, including strengthening intergovernmental partnerships, supporting coordinated border management, and providing a platform for private sector engagement.