Canada and the U.S. have been reviewing security systems to better protect each nation from contraband and security risks. Rendered even more important since 9/11, both countries have been working together to harmonize their two previously independent security systems, Customs - Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT in the United States) and Partners in Protection (PIP - for Canada) and. The first result of this effort is the Free and Secure Trade (F.A.S.T) program.

The link below provides detailed information on the F.A.S.T program for U.S. and Canadian Importers and Exporters.

F.A.S.T. Reference Guide

According to the U.S. fact sheet, the fast program is designed to ensure security and safety , and will use common risk-management principles, supply chain security, industry partnership, and advanced technology to improve the efficiency of screening and clearing commercial traffic along the U.S.-Canada border.

In the United States: the fast program will offer expedited clearance processes to those carriers and importers who have a history of compliance, and have enrolled in the U.S. - Customs trade partnership against terrorism (C-TPAT).

The particulars of C-TPAT may be viewed on the U S Customs website, the link is:

C-TPAT: Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism

At present, in order to partake in any favourable U S release system (Pre-Arrival Processing, line release, Importer Self Assessment) the importer must be a participant in C-TPAT. F.A.S.T will likely remain the U S security system and will be conditional to using any of the preferred release systems.

Note: U.S. customs advises any importer, non-resident importer and/or carrier that currently participates in the line release (BRASS), or pre-arrival processing system (PAPS) that does not volunteer for the C-TPAT security initiative, may begin to experience clearance delays at the effected border crossings in the weeks ahead.

In Canada: the current security program is called PIP (Partners in Protection) As a participant in the PIP program, importers, carriers, etc., are expected to work towards ensuring any irregularities are reported to customs. Those irregularities will assist the CCRA to identify shipment that may contain contraband, or are a security risk to Canada.

In the near future, continued participation in Customs Self Assessment (CSA) will require prior participation in PIP (Partners in Protection). These two programs together will provide the importer with FAST. Those importers currently participants in CSA will be required to be participants in the PIP program within 12 months or lose their CSA privileges. Future applicants will be required to qualify for PIP, CSA and will then be accredited to the F.A.S.T. program. It is anticipated that the names will change from CSA and PIP to FAST.

Importers into Canada can access additional information regarding F.A.S.T. at the following website.

The Free and Secure Trade Program

Only one application form for F.A.S.T. need be completed. It is sent to the U S Customs and a copy is sent to the CCRA. Each country will approve the applicant.

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