Free and Secure Trade

The Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program is a joint United States-Canadian program between the Canada Border Services Agency and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The FAST initiative offers pre-authorized importers, carriers and drivers expedited clearance for eligible goods, building on what Canada previously implemented under their Customs Self Assessment (CSA) program.^[1] In the French language, FAST is referred to as EXPRES – Expéditions rapides et sécuritaires.^[2]

The FAST program offers pre-authorized importers, carriers and drivers expedited clearance for eligible goods, and builds on what Canada has already implemented under the Customs Self Assessment (CSA) program.

The program aims to clear shipments faster and more cheaply by:

• Reducing the information needed for border/customs clearance
• Eliminating the need for importers to transmit data for each transaction
• Dedicating lanes for FAST clearances at border crossings.^[3]
• Reducing the rate of border examinations
• Verifying trade compliance away from the border
• Streamlining accounting and payment for all goods imported by approved importers (Canada only)

The FAST Card is available to drivers who have been jointly approved by Canada and the United States. Each country must approve carriers and importers separately. As a result, a FAST importer and/or carrier can choose to be approved only into Canada or only into the United States.^[4]

Enrollment centers are located at major border crossings and offices throughout Canada. [1]