The Peru Gazette

Plattsburgh, NY – This week, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced that the United States and Canada have increased the maximum values of goods eligible for expedited customs clearance.  Under the new rules, goods valued at up to USD$2,500 and CDN $2,500, respectively, are eligible for an expedited border clearance program in both the United States and Canada.  Previously, this limit was set at CDN$1,600 for goods entering Canada and USD$2,000 for goods entering the U.S.

In addition, Canada announced an increase in its low-value shipment threshold to CDN $2,500 for exemption from North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Certificate of Origin requirements, bringing it in line with current U.S. levels. Both of these actions serve to simplify customs clearance procedures by harmonizing U.S. and Canadian policies.  More information is available here.

“This is another step towards simplifying the process for conducting business across the border,” said Owens.  “With 13 border crossings in the district, this is incredibly important to New York.  It means increased commerce between the United States and Canada and greater opportunity for communities along the border to grow and create jobs.”

This announcement comes following a recent Canadian effort to increase duty-free purchase allowances for Canadians shopping in the United States. Beginning June 1^st, 2012, Canadian shoppers were able to return from New York with $200 in goods per person duty free (up from $50) in a 24 hour period.  For a 48-hour visit, Canadian shoppers could return with $800 per person in goods, up from $400.

“This effort builds on the ‘Beyond the Border’ agreement, which is already working to expedite border crossings and increase the flow of goods.  I applaud the good work that is being done at the Northern Border, and look forward to building on this activity in the future.”

In the 112^th Congress, Owens was co-chairman of the House Northern Border Caucus. He will reorganize the Caucus and serve as Co-Chair in the 113^th Congress.

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