U.S. CUSTOMS SHIFTS TO FAST

U.S. CUSTOMS SHIFTS TO FAST    U.S. Customs, in partnership with Canada Customs, has implemented a new program to allow trucked cargo to cross the border into the United States in a fast and secure manner.
   The “Free and Secure Trade” or FAST program is based on principles from U.S. Customs’ National Customs Automation Program (NCAP/P) test and Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program.
   NCAP/P was announced by U.S. Customs in March 1997 as an account-based declaration prototype of the agency’s future computer system, the Automated Commercial Environment. The test was initially limited to certain high-volume, low-risk importers, such as the automotive companies, and involved trucked cargoes entering the United States through Laredo, Texas; and Detroit and Port Huron, Mich.
   C-TPAT was started by U.S. Customs earlier this year to help the U.S. government to prevent terrorists from infiltrating the international supply chain with weapons of mass destruction. To participate, companies agree to improve and document their supply chain security. U.S. Customs, in turn, gives these companies “fast-lane” clearance treatment at border crossings and seaports. There are now more than 1,000 shippers, carriers and intermediaries seeking enrollment in C-TPAT.
   “The FAST program is a bilateral initiative between the United States and Canada to enhance the security and safety along their shared border, while also enhancing the economic prosperity of each country, by aligning, to the maximum extent possible, their customs commercial programs,” U.S. Customs said.
   Under the program, importers must submit applications to both U.S. and Canada customs administrations. Trucking companies may apply to one or both governments to participate. Participating truck drivers must be fingerprinted and receive a FAST photo identification card.
   Importers participating in NCAP/P will not need to re-apply to participate in the FAST program, but must ensure that their carriers and drivers become registered in FAST by Feb. 1 to continue receiving expedited cargo release under FAST.
   “Importers who submit applications to participate in the FAST will be notified in writing of their acceptance or rejection,” U.S. Customs said. “If an applicant is denied participation, the notification letter will include the reasons for that denial. Eligible importers whose initial application is rejected may re-apply upon correction of the situation that led to the denial.”
   The northern border ports included in the initial rollout of FAST are Port Huron and Detriot; Blaine, Wash.; and Buffalo and Champlain, N.Y.
   “At this time, prototype processing is suspended at Laredo. “Customs will consider re-establishing this prototype at the Laredo port of entry if sufficient interest is shown by the importing community,” the agency said.
   For more information about FAST and the application process, access U.S. Customs’ Web site at https://www.customs.gov. The industry may also send comments to U.S. Customs about the FAST program through Jan. 1.