CCRA to use iris-recognition technology for immigration, customs clearance for air travellers

OTTAWA (Oct. 4, 2002) — The Canada Customs and Revenue Agency announced plans to use iris-recognition technology to speed up customs and immigration clearance for cross-border travellers.

The program, called CANPASS-Air, will be in effect at Pearson International Airport and Vancouver International Airport in March 2003. Travellers will clear customs by simply looking into a camera that recognizes the iris of their eyes as proof of identity.

Users of the system must apply and be pre-approved, CCRA said. There is a $50 a year fee to participate in the program.

In conjunction with other new technologies, CANPASS-Air checks clients against a security system as if they were meeting an officer in person, and refers suspect clients to further inspection. Travellers will also be able to declare goods and pay duties and taxes at special kiosks.

Applications will be accepted starting in January 2003. The program will be expanded to a joint program with the United States, to be piloted at Macdonald-Cartier Airport in Ottawa and Dorval Airport in Montreal next year.