CBSA accepting tips on imports of dangerous counterfeit and pirated goods

On September 13 2017 the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) issued Customs Notice 17-27 confirming that the CBSA Border Watch Line accepts information on shipments of dangerous counterfeit or pirated goods destined for Canada. ‘Dangerous’ goods are defined as those that represent a health, safety or security threat.

The Border Watch Line is a confidential tip line that is monitored 24/7 by the CBSA and operated in both English and French. While calls and called-in information are confidential and not recorded, the CBSA may share information collected about a shipment with other national, international or foreign law enforcement bodies.

Those with information about dangerous counterfeit or pirated goods are encouraged to provide the following information:

• a description of the goods and their intended use;
• the reason why the goods are dangerous, including documentary evidence;
• the countries of origin and export;
• the names and addresses of the exporter, shipper, importer and consignee; and
• the mode of transport, expected arrival date and port of entry.

This announcement is welcome news for rights holders that deal in goods which could, in the wrong hands, pose health, safety or security concerns to Canadians. It is likely to help IP rights holders who receive urgent intelligence about a shipment of dangerous counterfeit or pirated goods into Canada. It is hoped that this development will supplement the CBSA’s Request for Assistance programme, which allows owners of registered trademarks and copyrights to record their IP rights with the CBSA in order to help stop counterfeit and pirated goods – including non-dangerous goods – at the Canadian border.