(Canadian Courier & Messenger Association)
The CBSA intends to initiate client consultations to determine the need for, and feasibility of, making changes to the existing Free and Secure Trade (FAST) border clearance
program. This is in response to suggestions by some members of the trade community that the current FAST requirements prohibit a broad-base of low risk importers from benefiting from expedited clearance and the use of
dedicated lanes where available.
The proposal is to hold meetings for a third option to process imports relative to trans border traffic. The new proposal, which would slot midway between ACI and FAST (a kind of
FAST LITE) is envisioned to have less stringent requirements and approvals and may benefit a wider spectrum of importers and carriers provided there is logic and planning in the design. This should be of significant
interest to couriers and other service providers who have waited or hesitated up to now in getting their firms approved under the CSA/FAST program to date.
The CBSA intends to hold meetings across Canada between
January and March 31, 2005. Exact times and venues are yet to be confirmed and we will communicate those once available. The CBSA FAST team will be meeting with importers, carriers and service providers in Vancouver,
Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Fredericton and Halifax.
There is also a meeting on January 20, 2005 in Toronto, for existing and applicant CSA/FAST importers only. It is being held to update the CSA/FAST importer
stakeholders on the CSA/FAST program and to solicit their views on any proposed modifications to the FAST program.
For participation in this meeting, questions or any suggestions you may have, call CBSA (Caron
Wilson at 613-952-1348) or Caron.Wilson@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
In addition, CBSA plans to meet with members of the various associations as part of broader consultations on the FAST program. We encourage you to provide
us with your thoughts and suggestions for ideas or concerns to be discussed at these consultative session(s).
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