CBP to Require Use of "New" FAST Cards with Enhanced Security Features Starting January 5th
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a CSMS message stating that members of its Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program will not be able to use their old FAST cards in passenger lanes effective January 5, 2010.
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FAST Members Must Use Cards with Enhanced Security Features
CBP has been issuing new cards for current FAST members since March 16, 2009. The new cards have enhanced security features that allow U.S. citizen cardholders to comply with the documentary requirements under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI).
All members are requested to activate their new cards within 30 days by going to https://goes-app.cbp.dhs.gov/ and destroy their old ones.
If members have not received their new cards, they should go to their local enrollment center to either pick up their new card or to apply to have a new card issued, which will take approximately seven to ten business days to receive.
One-Time Entry with Older Cards After Jan 5th, Will Seize Them After That
All old FAST cards will be deactivated January 5, 2010. CBP officers will permit a one-time entry into the U.S. to travelers with old FAST cards, but will seize the card from the traveler and refer the member to the Enrollment Center.
FAST Cards Can be Used for Submitting ACE e-Manifests
The identifying number of FAST cards is one of the approved documents for the submission of ACE e-Manifests. (As of June 1, 2009, e-Manifests submitted via ACE without approved WHTI documents for truck drivers were to be rejected. However, CBP sources previously stated that the WHTI informed compliance period would be applied to ACE e-Manifests as well.)
(The FAST program is a commercial clearance program for known low-risk shipments entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico. The program allows for expedited processing for commercial carriers who have completed background checks and fulfill certain eligibility requirements. Participation in FAST requires that every link in the supply chain, from manufacturer to carrier to driver to importer is certified under the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program. Currently, the FAST program has more than 92,000 members.)
(See ITT's Online Archives or 10/26/09 news, 09102605, for BP summary of ATA testifying on the need for "true" FAST lanes.
See ITT's Online Archives or 06/15/09 news, (Ref:09-000356 (dated 11/20/09) available at http://apps.cbp.gov/csms/viewmssg.asp?Recid=17750&page=&srch_argv=&srchtype=&btype=&sortby=&sby