The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced Thursday 12 May that it is expanding Free and Secure Trade (FAST) benefits for members of its trusted trader programs. The Agency plans to increase the number of dedicated FAST lanes to provide low-risk, pre-approved importers, carriers and drivers with expedited clearance at the border. By winter 2017, dedicated FAST lanes will be in operation at Fort Erie, Ontario, and at Pacific Highway, British Columbia. A new FAST lane will be opened at Emerson, Manitoba by spring 2018.
Program eligibility requirements will also be expanded at existing FAST sites in Sarnia and Pacific Highway, and at future sites at Fort Erie and Emerson. These improvements will expedite commercial traffic at the border by allowing more trusted traders access to the FAST benefit.
"The Government of Canada is committed to finding ways to grow our economy. The FAST program simplifies many of the import requirements so that low-risk shipments can be processed more quickly and efficiently at the border, saving businesses time and money," said The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.
In 2014, Canada-United States trade surpassed CAN$680 billion (goods and services), meaning that nearly $2 billion worth of goods and services crosses the border daily- over $1 million traded every minute.
As of April 2016, the CBSA had over 61,000 registered FAST drivers; 679
FAST-approved carriers and 71 FAST-approved importers.
For more information:
Canada Border Services Agency
Tel: 613-957-6500