Free and Secure Trade (FAST)
- FAST is not a stand-alone program, but works in tandem with the CBP’s C-TPAT for U.S. entry and/or PIP for Canadian entry.
- Several elements must be in place for shipments entering the U.S. or Canada using the FAST lane.
The Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program is a bilateral initiative between:
- The United States and Canada, and
- The United States and Mexico.
The program is designed to ensure security and safety while enhancing the economic prosperity of the three countries involved.
FAST is a harmonized clearance process for known low-risk shipments. Processing is based upon advanced electronic transmission of information. FAST is the first completely paperless cargo release mechanism put into place by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
FAST is a benefit of participating in the CBP’s Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) for U.S. entry and/or Partners in Protection (PIP) for Canadian entry. Many have mistakenly thought the program is stand-alone.
It takes three elements to use the FAST lane to enter the U.S. including:
- FAST-approved driver,
- C-TPAT highway carrier, and
- C-TPAT importer (or Mexican manufacturer).
If one of these is not in place, that shipment is unable to use the FAST lane. For shipments entering Canada, substitute PIP for C-TPAT.
In addition, anyone occupying the cab of the commercial motor vehicle must possess a FAST card to use the FAST lane for that trip. Occupants would also need appropriate immigration papers to enter the U.S.