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FAST (Free and Secure Trade) Information: Difference between revisions

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{{note|This article is part of the [[Customs_Compliance_Guide_(CBP_and_CBSA)|Customs Compliance Guide]]|info}}
{{note|This article is part of the [[Customs_Compliance_Guide_(CBP_and_CBSA)|Customs Compliance Guide]]|info}}


[[Image:Fast-logo.jpg|250px|thumb|Free and Secure Trade Logo]]The '''Free and Secure Trade (FAST)''' program is a joint program between the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and United States Customs and Border Protection (U.S. CBP) that enhances border and trade chain security while making cross-border commercial shipments simpler and subject to fewer delays.
<div class="bc-wrap">


FAST is a voluntary program that enables the CBSA to work closely with the private sector to enhance border security, combat organized crime and terrorism, and prevent contraband smuggling. Under the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, 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. Permanent residents of Canada or the U.S. still require a passport and visa (if applicable) to enter the U.S.<ref>CBSA - About the FAST Program http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/fast-expres/about-apropos-eng.html</ref>
<div class="bc-article-hero">
<h1>Free and Secure Trade (FAST)</h1>
<p>A joint CBSA and CBP initiative offering expedited processing for low-risk commercial carriers and drivers.</p>
<div class="bc-article-meta">
<span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="fas fa-shipping-fast"></i> Type: Trusted Trader Program</span>
<span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="fas fa-globe-americas"></i> Region: CBP & CBSA</span>
</div>
</div>


== How Free and Secure Trade Works ==
<div class="bc-card">


All FAST program participants (drivers, carriers and importers) must undergo a risk assessment. FAST-approved participants are identified as low risk, which enables the CBSA to focus its resources and security efforts on travellers of high or unknown risk.
<h2 style="margin-top: 0;">Overview</h2>
[[Image:Fast-logo.jpg|250px|thumb|right|The Free and Secure Trade (FAST) Logo]]
<p>The <strong>Free and Secure Trade (FAST)</strong> 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.</p>


When a FAST-approved driver arrives at the border, he or she presents three bar-coded documents to the border services officer (one for each of the participating parties: the driver, the carrier and the importer). The officer can quickly scan the bar codes while all trade data declarations and verifications are done at a later time, away from the border.
<p>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.<ref>CBSA - About the FAST Program http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/fast-expres/about-apropos-eng.html</ref></p>


Under FAST, eligible goods arriving for approved companies and transported by approved carriers using registered drivers are cleared into Canada or the U.S. with greater speed and certainty, which reduces costs for FAST participants.
<div class="bc-did-you-know" style="margin-top: 15px;">
<strong>Risk Assessment:</strong> 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.
</div>


== FAST Eligibility For Highway Carriers ==
<div style="clear: both;"></div>
</div>


Carriers must meet these conditions to become authorized FAST participants in Canada:
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">How FAST Works</h2>


*They are a Customs Self Assessment (CSA)-approved carrier; and
<div class="bc-card">
*They have signed a Partners in Protection (PIP) memorandum of understanding.
<p>The FAST process relies on a chain of trust. When a FAST-approved driver arrives at the border, the process generally involves:</p>


Note: There is no FAST application form for carriers. Canadian carriers are automatically approved for FAST once they become approved members of the CSA and PIP programs.
<div class="bc-cleanlist">
1. <strong>Identification:</strong> The driver presents three bar-coded documents (Driver ID, Carrier ID, Importer ID).
2. <strong>Scanning:</strong> The officer scans the barcodes to verify pre-approval status.
3. <strong>Clearance:</strong> 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).
</div>
</div>


For information regarding the FAST into the United States please see the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Web site.<ref>CBSA - FAST for Highway Carriers http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/fast-expres/import-eng.html</ref>
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Carrier Eligibility</h2>


== FAST Eligibility For Drivers ==
<div class="bc-card">
<p>The requirements to become a FAST carrier differ depending on whether you are entering Canada or the United States.</p>


You may qualify to participate in the program if you are a citizen or permanent resident of Canada or the United States and you reside in Canada or the United States. You must also be 18 years old or over and possess a valid driver's licence. You must be admissible to Canada and the United States under applicable immigration laws.
<table class="wikitable" style="width: 100%;">
<tr>
<th style="width: 50%;">FAST into Canada (CBSA)</th>
<th>FAST into the U.S. (CBP)</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>To be a FAST participant in Canada, a carrier must:
<ul>
<li>Be a <strong>[[CSA_(Customs_Self_Assessment)_Information|Customs Self Assessment (CSA)]]</strong> approved carrier.</li>
<li>Have signed a <strong>[[PIP_(Partners_In_Protection)_Information|Partners in Protection (PIP)]]</strong> memorandum of understanding.</li>
</ul>
<em>Note: There is no separate FAST application for Canadian carriers. You are automatically approved once you have both CSA and PIP.</em><ref>CBSA - FAST for Highway Carriers http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/fast-expres/import-eng.html</ref>
</td>
<td>To use FAST lanes into the U.S., a carrier must:
<ul>
<li>Be a <strong>[[C-TPAT_(Customs-Trade_Partnership_Against_Terrorism)_Information|C-TPAT]]</strong> approved carrier.</li>
<li>Transport qualifying goods for a C-TPAT approved importer.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>


You may not qualify if the following applies:
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Driver Eligibility</h2>


*You provide false or incomplete information on your application;
<div class="bc-card">
*You have been convicted of a criminal offence in any country for which you have not received a pardon;
*You have been found in violation of customs or immigration law; or
*You fail to meet requirements of the FAST Commercial Driver Program.


Both Canada and the United States must approve your application. If you do not meet the requirements of both countries, your application will be denied.<ref>CBSA - FAST for Drivers http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/fast-expres/driv-chauff-eng.html</ref>
<p>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.</p>


== FAST into Canada ==
<p><strong>You may NOT qualify if:</strong></p>
<div class="bc-cleanlist">
* 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.
</div>


The CBSA offers members of its Trusted Trader programs access to dedicated FAST lanes and booths at designated ports of entry for expedited border passage. FAST builds on the Customs Self Assessment (CSA) program and the increased security measures under the Partners in Protection (PIP) program. Importers and carriers must be approved in the CSA program and must have signed a PIP memorandum of understanding to be eligible for FAST. The driver must have a valid FAST card or Commercial Driver Registration Program (CDRP) card.
<div class="bc-did-you-know" style="margin-top: 15px;">
<strong>Dual Approval:</strong> Both Canada and the United States must approve your application. If you fail the background check in either country, your application will be denied.<ref>CBSA - FAST for Drivers http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/fast-expres/driv-chauff-eng.html</ref>
</div>
</div>


*Note: CDRP cards were first created to handle CSA shipments before FAST was established. The CDRP is a Canadian program and therefore its membership cards are only valid for coming into Canada. FAST is a joint initiative between the U.S. and Canada so its driver membership cards are recognized on both sides of the border.
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Using FAST Lanes</h2>


== FAST into the United States ==
<div class="bc-card">
<p>Access to dedicated FAST lanes requires that <strong>every link in the supply chain</strong> is trusted.</p>


Any truck using FAST lanes must be a U.S. Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)-approved carrier and transporting qualifying goods for a C-TPAT-approved importer. The driver must have a valid FAST card.
<h3>Into Canada</h3>
<p>The driver must have a valid FAST or CDRP card. The carrier and importer must be CSA and PIP approved.</p>
<p><em>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.</em></p>


== FAST Eligible Goods ==
<h3>Into the United States</h3>
<p>The driver must have a valid FAST card. The carrier and importer must be C-TPAT certified.</p>
</div>


To qualify for the streamlined FAST process, goods imported into Canada must meet these conditions:
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">FAST Eligible Goods</h2>


They must not be prohibited, controlled or regulated importations as set out in any act of Parliament or provincial legislation;
<div class="bc-card">
They must not be subject to the release requirements of any other government department; and
<p>To qualify for the streamlined FAST process, goods imported into Canada must meet these conditions:</p>
They must be shipped directly to Canada from the continental U.S. or Mexico.
<div class="bc-cleanlist">
* Must <strong>not</strong> be prohibited, controlled, or regulated importations (e.g., firearms, certain food products).
* Must <strong>not</strong> 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.
</div>
</div>


== Other Trusted Trader Programs ==
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Related Trusted Trader Programs</h2>


<div class="bc-card">
<table class="wikitable" style="width: 100%;">
<tr>
<th style="width: 20%;">Program</th>
<th>Description</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>C-TPAT</strong></td>
<td><strong>Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism:</strong> A voluntary U.S. supply chain security program. Required for FAST benefits into the U.S.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>CSA</strong></td>
<td><strong>Customs Self Assessment:</strong> A Canadian program allowing simplified clearance for low-risk importers/carriers. Required for FAST benefits into Canada.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>PIP</strong></td>
<td><strong>Partners in Protection:</strong> A Canadian security program similar to C-TPAT. Required for FAST benefits into Canada.</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>


;C-TPAT
<div class="bc-references">
:'''Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism''' is a voluntary public-private sector supply chain security program led by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Through this program, CBP works with the trade community to strengthen international supply chains and improve United States border security.
<references />
</div>


;CSA
</div>
:'''Customs Self Assessment''' allows for the clearance of goods imported by a CSA Approved importer and transported by a CSA Approved carrier. For a shipment to clear under CSA both the importer and carrier must be CSA Approved, and the driver must be registered with either the Commercial Driver Registration Program (CDRP) or the Free And Secure Trade (FAST) driver registration program.


;PIP
[[Category:Customs Compliance Guide]]
:'''Partners in Protection (PIP)''' is a cooperative program between private industry and the CBSA aimed at enhancing border and trade chain security. This voluntary program has no membership fee. It is designed to streamline and make border processes more efficient for low-risk, pre-approved businesses recognized as trusted traders.

Latest revision as of 17:01, 6 February 2026

🔖 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.

Type: Trusted Trader Program Region: CBP & CBSA

Overview

The Free and Secure Trade (FAST) Logo

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:
  • Be a C-TPAT approved carrier.
  • Transport qualifying goods for a C-TPAT approved importer.

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.
  1. ↑ CBSA - About the FAST Program http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/fast-expres/about-apropos-eng.html
  2. ↑ CBSA - FAST for Highway Carriers http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/fast-expres/import-eng.html
  3. ↑ CBSA - FAST for Drivers http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/fast-expres/driv-chauff-eng.html
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