Both the US and Canada have issued fact sheets providing information on the Free and Secure Trade program (FAST). The purpose of the program is to align, as much as possible, the customs commercial programs along their shared border for known low-risk, legitimate, commercial shipments.

The government hopes that by December 2002 the program will be up and running at the following border crossings:

Blaine-Douglas                         Detroit-Windsor
Port Huron-Sarnia                    Buffalo-Fort Erie
Lewiston-Queenston               Champlain-Lacolle

If all proceeds as expected, importers, carriers and commercial drivers will soon be able to submit applications to participate in the FAST program. At this time it is expected that separate applications will be required in both the US and Canada for importers. Carriers will have a joint US/Canada application as will commercial drivers.

The FAST program is designed to ensure security and safety using common risk-management principles, supply chain security, industry partnership and advanced technology to improve screening and clearing commercial traffic. For those carriers and importers who have a history of compliance, have enrolled in Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) or Canada's Partners in Protection (PIP) the program will offer expedited clearance processes.

If you would like to view the entire fact sheets issued they are available at:

US fact sheet: http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/enforcem/fast.pdf

Canadian fact sheet: http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/newsroom/factsheets/2002 /sep/fast-e.html