FAST (Free and Secure Trade) Information
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🔖 This article is part of the Customs Compliance Guide |
Free and Secure Trade (FAST)
A joint CBSA and CBP initiative offering expedited processing for low-risk commercial carriers and drivers.
Overview
The Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program is a joint initiative between the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and United States Customs and Border Protection (U.S. CBP). It enhances border and trade chain security while making cross-border commercial shipments simpler and subject to fewer delays.
FAST is a voluntary program that enables the CBSA to work closely with the private sector to combat organized crime and terrorism while facilitating legitimate trade. Under the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), FAST members who are Canadian or U.S. citizens can use their FAST membership card as an alternative document to the passport when entering the U.S. by land or water.[1]
Risk Assessment: All FAST participants (drivers, carriers, and importers) must undergo a rigorous risk assessment. Approved participants are identified as "low risk," allowing border officers to focus resources on unknown or high-risk travelers.
How FAST Works
The FAST process relies on a chain of trust. When a FAST-approved driver arrives at the border, the process generally involves:
1. Identification: The driver presents three bar-coded documents (Driver ID, Carrier ID, Importer ID). 2. Scanning: The officer scans the barcodes to verify pre-approval status. 3. Clearance: Eligible goods are cleared with greater speed and certainty, often bypassing standard trade data declarations at the booth (depending on the direction of travel and specific clearance option used).
Carrier Eligibility
The requirements to become a FAST carrier differ depending on whether you are entering Canada or the United States.
| FAST into Canada (CBSA) | FAST into the U.S. (CBP) |
|---|---|
To be a FAST participant in Canada, a carrier must:
Note: There is no separate FAST application for Canadian carriers. You are automatically approved once you have both CSA and PIP.[2] |
To use FAST lanes into the U.S., a carrier must:
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Driver Eligibility
Drivers must be at least 18 years old, possess a valid driver's license, and be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada or the United States.
You may NOT qualify if:
- You provide false or incomplete information on your application.
- You have been convicted of a criminal offense for which you have not received a pardon.
- You have been found in violation of customs or immigration law.
Dual Approval: Both Canada and the United States must approve your application. If you fail the background check in either country, your application will be denied.[3]
Using FAST Lanes
Access to dedicated FAST lanes requires that every link in the supply chain is trusted.
Into Canada
The driver must have a valid FAST or CDRP card. The carrier and importer must be CSA and PIP approved.
Note: CDRP (Commercial Driver Registration Program) is a Canadian-only program. CDRP cards are valid for entering Canada but are not recognized for entering the U.S.
Into the United States
The driver must have a valid FAST card. The carrier and importer must be C-TPAT certified.
FAST Eligible Goods
To qualify for the streamlined FAST process, goods imported into Canada must meet these conditions:
- Must not be prohibited, controlled, or regulated importations (e.g., firearms, certain food products).
- Must not be subject to release requirements of other government departments (OGDs) like CFIA unless specific agreements exist.
- Must be shipped directly to Canada from the continental U.S. or Mexico.
Related Trusted Trader Programs
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| C-TPAT | Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism: A voluntary U.S. supply chain security program. Required for FAST benefits into the U.S. |
| CSA | Customs Self Assessment: A Canadian program allowing simplified clearance for low-risk importers/carriers. Required for FAST benefits into Canada. |
| PIP | Partners in Protection: A Canadian security program similar to C-TPAT. Required for FAST benefits into Canada. |
- ↑ CBSA - About the FAST Program http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/fast-expres/about-apropos-eng.html
- ↑ CBSA - FAST for Highway Carriers http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/fast-expres/import-eng.html
- ↑ CBSA - FAST for Drivers http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/fast-expres/driv-chauff-eng.html