The Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) was introduced in 2002 and authorizes the CBSA to impose penalties for non-compliance with existing Canadian border customs regulations. AMPS is designed to encourage compliance with the Customs Action Plan while penalizing contraventions of the Customs Act and Customs Tariff.

AMPS is also intended to level the playing field for Canadian businesses by making traders responsible for the accuracy of their import and export declarations. The system is corrective in nature with graduated penalties determined by infraction type, severity and frequency. Penalties may range from a small amount to a maximum of $25,000 per infraction with compliance records impacting eligibility for expedited release.