Free and Secure Trade (FAST)
FAST U.S./Canada FAST Overview The Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program is a Border Accord Initiative between the United States, Mexico, and Canada designed to ensure security and safety while enhancing the economic prosperity of each country. In developing this program, Mexico, Canada and the United States have agreed to coordinate, to the maximum extent possible, their commercial processes for clearance of commercial shipments at the border. This will promote free and secure trade by using common risk-management principles, supply chain security, industry partnership, and advanced technology to improve the efficiency of screening and clearing commercial traffic at our shared borders. Eligibility for the FAST program requires participants (carrier, drivers, importers, and southern border manufacturers) to submit an application, agreement, and security profile depending on their role in the Customs and Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and FAST programs. The FAST program allows known low risk participants to receive expedited border processing. This enables U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to re-direct security efforts and inspections where they are needed most - on commerce that is high risk, or unknown risk - while ensuring the movement of legitimate, low-risk commerce. When decisions are made to elevate the national threat level, all CBP personnel must be cognizant of the heightened threat of terrorism as well a mandated increase in examinations of cargo and conveyances. Elevated alert levels should have no adverse impact on FAST processing. While other conveyances and cargo will be subject to a greater degree of inspection, FAST shipments are considered known low risk. As such, their processing should continue under normal guidelines during heightened alert levels. FAST Benefits The FAST program is voluntary. The benefits for those that apply and are accepted into the FAST program include: 1. Dedicated lanes (where available) for greater speed and efficiency in the clearance of FAST Trans-border shipments; 2. Reduced number of examinations for continued compliance with Customs FAST requirements as well as secondary priority processing; 3. A strong and ongoing partnership with the Canadian Partners in Protection (PIP) and CBP C-TPAT administrations; 4. Enhanced supply chain security and safety while protecting the economic prosperity of the United States, Mexico, and Canada; and, 5. For carrier participants, the knowledge that they are transporting shipments for a C-TPAT approved importer, and on the southern border, a C-TPAT manufacturer. Basic Participation Requirements FAST is a clearance process for known low-risk shipments, thus, any truck using FAST lane processing must be a C-TPAT approved carrier, carrying qualifying goods from a C-TPAT approved importer, and the driver in the possession of a valid FAST Commercial Driver Registration ID Card. Although FAST participation requirements along the northern and southern border are very similar, on the southern border there are two additional requirements. The manufacturer must be an approved C-TPAT participant, and they must also adhere to CBP high security seal requirements. C-TPAT is a joint government business initiative to build cooperative relationships that strengthen overall supply chain and border security. C-TPAT recognizes that CBP can provide the highest level of security only through close cooperation with the ultimate owners of the supply chain, importers, carriers, brokers, warehouse operators and manufacturers. Through this initiative, CBP asks businesses to ensure the integrity of their security practices and communicate their security guidelines to their business partners within the supply chain. 1. Importer Registration Importers must complete an application for C-TPAT participation with CBP. Importers authorized to use the FAST program for clearance into the United States will have a demonstrated history of complying with all relevant legislative and regulatory requirements, and will have made a commitment to security enhancing business practices as required by C-TPAT. 2. Carrier Registration Carriers must complete the FAST Highway Carrier Application Process requirements that include corporate information, a security profile, and a written Highway Carrier Agreement. Northern Border : In order to qualify for FAST Highway Carrier membership into the U.S. and Canada, two separate applications must be submitted to each country's respective FAST Processing Centers. Each country will perform an independent risk assessment and each country will issue independent approvals for participation. For the United States, a FAST approved carrier will have met all aspects of C-TPAT through the FAST registration process. Southern Border : To qualify for the U.S./Mexico border highway carriers agreement, the carrier must have demonstrated a history of complying with all relevant legislative and regulatory requirements set forth by CBP. The applying carrier must have made a commitment to security-enhancing business practices as required by C-TPAT and use drivers that are in possession of a valid FAST commercial driver card when using FAST clearance. 3. Commercial Driver Application Two separate driver application processes exist for FAST, 1) Northern Border and 2) Southern Border. For northern border applicants, drivers must complete a FAST Commercial Driver Application for the United States and Canada. The application will first be risk assessed by a Canadian consortium of the Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA), Citizenship and Immigration Service for Canada (CIC), and Canada's Agence de Revenu (ARC). Upon approval from Canada, CBP will conduct a full U.S. based risk assessment. Applicants identified as low risk will report to an enrollment center where they will be interviewed, have their original identification and citizenship documents reviewed, fingerprinted and have a digital photo taken. Low-risk applicants will then be issued a FAST Commercial Driver Card. The procedure for the southern border is similar however the FAST driver application is submitted to the Mellon Financial Corporation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania prior to being forwarded to the CBP risk assessment center in St Albans, Vermont. Applicants identified as low risk will report to an enrollment center where they will be interviewed, have their original identification and citizenship documents reviewed, fingerprinted and have a digital photo taken. Low-risk applicants will then be issued a FAST - Commercial Driver Card. FAST Processing Availability The initial phase of FAST processing for U.S. bound commercial shipments began in December 2002 at the port of Detroit, Michigan. Today, CBP has implemented FAST processing at the following northern and southern border crossings: Northern Border Alexandria Bay, New York Blaine, Washington Buffalo, New York Champlain, New York Derby Line, Vermont Detroit, Michigan Highgate Springs, Vermont Houlton, Maine Massena, New York Ogdensburg, New York Oroville, Washington Pembina, North Dakota Port Huron, Michigan Portal, North Dakota Sweetgrass, Montana
Southern Border Brownsville, Texas Calexico, California Del Rio, Texas Douglas, Arizona Eagle Pass, Texas El Paso, Texas Laredo, Texas Nogales, Arizona Otay Mesa, California Pharr, Texas Rio Grande City, Texas San Luis, Arizona Santa Teresa, New Mexico Tecate, California Future FAST expansion sites include: Northern Border Calais, Maine Sault Ste Marie, Michigan International Falls, Minnesota Cargo Release Method(s) The two cargo release methods for FAST eligible shipments are the Free and Secure Trade system formerly known as the National Customs Automated Prototype (NCAP), additionally the Pre-Arrival Processing System (PAPS) is also recognized as eligible method of cargo release processing for FAST. 1. FAST - FAST is the first fully electronic and completely paperless cargo release mechanism put into place by CBP. Paperless processing is achieved through advanced electronic data transmissions and transponder technology. FAST is highly automated and allows for the expedited release of highly compliant cargo from major importers, reducing congestion at our land borders. 2. Pre Arrival Processing System (PAPS) -The Pre-Arrival Processing System (PAPS) is an ACS (Automated Commercial System) border cargo release system that utilizes barcode technology to expedite the release of commercial shipments while still processing each shipment through Border Cargo Selectivity (BCS) and the Automated Targeting System (ATS). Each PAPS shipment requires a unique barcode label, which the carrier attaches to the invoice and the truck manifest while the merchandise is still in Canada or Mexico. The barcode consists of the Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) and Pro-Bill number or entry number. The licensed U.S. Customs broker in the United States must indicate this sequencing of SCAC code and unique number (Pro Bill, Entry number or unique set of numbers) in the BCS entry in ACS. Upon the truck's arrival at the border, the CBP officer scans the barcode, which automatically retrieves the entry information from ACS. If no examination is required, the CBP officer then releases the truck, reducing the carrier's wait time and easing congestion at the U.S. border. Additional Information In addition to the FAST information found on the CBP web site, see FAST information on the Canada Border Security Agency web site at www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca or contact a representative at any of the designated FAST sites. FAST U.S./CanadaFree and Secure Trade (FAST)Overview The FAST program is a bilateral initiative between the United States and Canada designed to ensure security and safety while enhancing the economic prosperity of both countries. In developing this program, Canada and the United States have agreed to harmonize, to the maximum extent possible, their commercial processes for clearance of commercial shipments at the border. This will promote free and secure trade by using common risk-management principles, supply chain security, industry partnership, and advanced technology to improve the efficiency of screening and clearing commercial traffic at our shared border. Objectives FAST is an ambitious program both in terms of its scope and its implementation date. For the United States and Canada, the initiative's objectives promise to revolutionize the processing of transborder trade: 1. The program aims to increase the integrity of supply chain security by offering expedited clearance to carriers and importers enrolled in Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) or Canada's Partners in Protection (PIP). 2. It's designed to streamline and to integrate registration processes for drivers, carriers, and importers; minimizing paperwork and ensuring only low risk participants are enrolled as members. 3. The initiative seeks to expedite the clearance of transborder shipments of compliant partners by reducing Customs information requirements, dedicating lanes at major crossings to FAST participants, using common technology, and physically examining cargo transported by these low-risk clients with minimal frequency. 4. The program is a catalyst for both Customs administrations to participate in the enhanced technologies by using transponders, which would make it easier to clear low risk shipments, and would mitigate the cost of program participation for FAST partners. Benefits FAST approved U.S./Canada highway carriers will benefit from: 1. Dedicated lanes (where available) for greater speed and efficiency in the clearance of FAST transborder shipments. 2. Reduced number of examinations for continued compliance with Customs FAST requirements. 3. A strong and ongoing partnership with the Canadian (PIP) and Customs (C-TPAT) administrations. 4. Enhanced supply chain security and safety while protecting the economic prosperity of both countries. 5. The knowledge that they are carrying shipments for a C-TPAT approved importer. 6. A head start for the upcoming modifications to FAST that will expand eligible electronic cargo release methods. The FAST processing of Pre Arrival Processing System (PAPS) is currently in use and will commence at expanded locations along the northern border during the year. Inauguration The initial phase of FAST for U.S. and Canada bound commercial shipments began in December 2002. FAST processing is currently available for qualifying commercial shipments at the following U.S./Canadian ports:
Qualifications FAST is a harmonized clearance process for shipments of known compliant importer. Thus, any truck using FAST lane processing must be a C-TPAT approved carrier, carrying qualifying goods from a C-TPAT approved importer, and the driver must possess a valid FAST-Commercial Driver Card. FAST processing is based upon advanced electronic transmission of information. The following are the key components:
Cargo Release Methods The two present cargo release methods for FAST shipments are the National Customs Automated Prototype (NCAP) and the PAPS. NCAP/FAST processing for FAST began in December 2002. The FAST processing of PAPS shipments is currently taking place. 1. FAST - FAST is the first completely paperless cargo release mechanism put into place by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This paperless processing is achieved through electronic data transmissions and transponder technology. FAST is highly automated and allows for the expedited release of highly compliant cargo from major importers, reducing congestion at our land borders. 2. The Pre-Arrival Processing System (PAPS) - PAPS is a Customs Automated Commercial System (ACS) border cargo release mechanism that utilizes barcode technology to expedite the release of commercial shipments while processing each shipment through Border Cargo Selectivity (BCS) and the Automated Targeting System (ATS).
FAST U.S./MexicoFree and Secure Trade (FAST)Overview The FAST program is a bilateral initiative between the United States and Mexico designed to ensure security and safety while enhancing the economic prosperity of both countries. In developing this program, Mexico and the United States have agreed to coordinate to the maximum extent possible, their commercial processes for clearance of commercial shipments at the border. This will promote free and secure trade by using common risk-management principles, supply chain security, industry partnership, and advanced technology to improve the efficiency of screening and clearing commercial traffic at our shared border. Objectives FAST is an ambitious program both in terms of its scope and its implementation dates. For the United States and Mexico, the initiative's objectives promise to revolutionize the processing of transborder trade: 1. The program aims to increase the integrity of supply chain security by offering expedited clearance to carriers and importers enrolled in Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT). 2. It's designed to streamline and to integrate registration processes for drivers, carriers, and importers, minimizing paperwork and ensuring only low risk participants are enrolled as members. 3. The initiative seeks to expedite the clearance of transborder shipments of compliant partners by reducing Customs information requirements, dedicating lanes at major crossings to FAST participants, using common technology, and physically examining cargo transported by these low-risk clients with minimal frequency. 4. The program is a catalyst for both Customs administrations to participate in the enhanced technologies by using transponders, which would make it easier to clear low risk shipments, and would mitigate the cost of program participation for FAST partners. Benefits FAST approved U.S./Mexico highway carriers will benefit from: 1. Dedicated lanes (where available) for greater speed and efficiency in the clearance of FAST transborder shipments. 2. Reduced number of examinations for continued compliance with Customs FAST requirements. 3. A strong and ongoing partnership with the Mexican and Customs (C-TPAT) administrations. 4. Enhanced supply chain security and safety while protecting the economic prosperity of both countries. 5. The knowledge that they are carrying shipments for a C-TPAT approved importer. 6. A head start for the upcoming modifications to FAST that will expand eligible electronic cargo release methods. The FAST processing of Pre-Arrival Processing System (PAPS) is currently in use and will commence at locations along the U.S./Mexico border this year.
Inauguration The initial phase of FAST for the United States and Mexico bound commercial shipments began on September 27, 2003 at the Port of El Paso, Texas. Additional dedicated FAST lane processing is available at the following locations: FAST Southern Border Operations
Qualifications FAST is a harmonized clearance process for shipments of known compliant importer. Thus, any truck using FAST lane processing must be a C-TPAT approved carrier, carrying qualifying goods from a C-TPAT approved manufacturer, importer, and the driver must possess a valid FAST-Commercial Driver Card. FAST processing is based upon advanced electronic transmission of information. The following are the key components:
Cargo Release Methods Two present cargo release methods exist for FAST processing. The first method is FAST, which is the modified version of the National Customs Automated Prototype (NCAP) and the Pre-Arrival Processing System (PAPS). More detailed information on these two release methods may be obtained from Federal Register Notice Volume 68, Number 186, published on September 25, 2003, titled the Modification to the Free and Secure Trade Prototype. The initial implementation of the FAST prototype began in December 16, 2002 in Detroit, Michigan. Both cargo release methods are the only accepted electronic transactions available for FAST processing. 1. FAST - Modified NCAP/Prototype is the first complete paperless cargo release mechanism put into place by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This paperless processing is achieved through electronic data transmissions and transponder technology. FAST is highly automated and allows for the expedited release of highly compliant cargo from major importers, reducing congestion at our land borders. 2. The Pre-Arrival Processing System (PAPS) - PAPS is a Customs Automated Commercial System (ACS) border cargo release mechanism that utilizes barcode technology to expedite the release of commercial shipments while processing each shipment through Border Cargo Selectivity (BCS) and the Automated Targeting System (ATS). Additional Information For additional information, reference the www.CBP.gov web address or contact a local CBP FAST representative at any of the FAST sites indicated. Designated FAST team members are available to answer questions at designated FAST ports. |