CBP Issues FAST Reference Guide
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a document entitled, FAST Reference Guide: Enhancing the Security and Safety of Trans-border Shipments. This reference guide contains information on eligibility requirements, application procedures, and processes associated with the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) Program.
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CBP explains that under FAST, Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. have agreed to coordinate, to the maximum extent possible, their commercial processes for clearance of commercial shipments at the border. CBP adds that the FAST program allows known low-risk participants to receive expedited border processing.
The FAST Reference Guide states that eligibility for the FAST program requires participants (carriers, drivers, importers, and southern border manufacturers) to submit an application, agreement, and security profile depending on their role in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT).
Highlights of Information Contained in CBP's FAST Reference Guide
The following are highlights of the information contained in CBP's FAST Reference Guide (see document for complete details):
Overview:
Description of the Program
Benefits of FAST
Basic Participation Requirements
C-TPAT (FAST) Approved Importer:
Importer Application
Importer Risk Assessment
Eligibility Requirements
C-TPAT (FAST) Approved Carrier:
Eligibility Requirements
SCAC Code
FAST Highway Carrier Application
Identifying FAST Approved Carriers
Etc.
FAST Commercial Driver Program:
How to Apply
FAST Commercial Driver Eligibility Requirements
Application Information
Application Processing
Northern & Southern Border Applications
FAST Application Processing Center (FPC)
Driver Notification Process
Driver Enrollment Center (EC)
Card Issuance
Etc.
C-TPAT Manufacturer (Southern Border Only)
Eligibility Requirements
Related Party Manufacturer
Non-Related Party Manufacturer
Application Processes for Mexican and Non-Related Party Mexican Manufacturers
Risk Assessments
Manufacturer Approval
Seal Requirements for Southern Border
Manufacturer
Seal Integrity Responsibilities for Manufacturer
Carrier/Drayage
Seal Integrity Responsibilities for Carrier
CBP Reference Guide (CBP Publication No. 0000-0700, March 2005) available at http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/import/commercial_enforcement/ctpat/fast/fast_ref_guide.ctt/fast_ref_guide.pdf