Red Tape Reduction Commission
www.reduceredtape.gc.ca
Trusted Trader Programs
Objective:
Custom Self-Assessment
Simplifying the entire border-crossing process for low-risk, pre-approved companies.
Free and Secure Trade
Free and Secure Trade (FAST) is a joint initiative between the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency that enhances border and trade-chain security while making cross-border commercial shipments simpler and subject to fewer delays.
Partners in Protection
A program that enlists the cooperation of private industry to enhance border and trade-chain security, combat organized crime and terrorism, and help detect and prevent contraband smuggling.
Target Audience:
Custom Self-Assessment
Low-risk importers, carriers and registered drivers
Free and Secure Trade
Drivers, carriers and importers using major border crossings
Partners in Protection
Low-risk trade industry
Start Date and End Date:
Custom Self-Assessment
Launched in December 2001 for goods imported from the United States only; expanded in 2008 to include qualified goods from Mexico.
Free and Secure Trade
Launched in December 2001 as a result of collaboration between Canada and the United States in identifying and addressing security risks while efficiently expediting the legitimate flow of people and goods across the Canada–U.S. border.
Partners in Protection
Developed in 1995 and modernized in June 2008 to strengthen security and facilitate low-risk cross-border trade.
Responsible Department or Agency:
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
Partners:
Custom Self-Assessment
N/A
Free and Secure Trade
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency
Partners in Protection
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency
Summary:
Custom Self-Assessment
- The Custom Self-Assessment (CSA) program is designed for low-risk, pre-approved importers, carriers and registered drivers. CSA benefits for importers include a simplified accounting and payment process for all imported goods and expedited reporting at the border. CSA-approved importers must use approved carriers and registered drivers to report CSA-eligible goods into Canada in the highway mode.
- The CSA program simplifies many of the import border requirements so that low-risk shipments can be processed more quickly and efficiently at the border, saving businesses time and money.
- It also allows the CBSA to better focus its resources on identifying high-risk shipments that pose a potential threat to the health, safety or economic well-being of Canadians.
Free and Secure Trade
- FAST is a voluntary program that enables the CBSA to work closely with the private sector to enhance border security, combat organized crime and terrorism, and prevent contraband smuggling. Under the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, FAST members who are Canadian or U.S. citizens can use their FAST membership card as an alternative document to the passport when entering the United States by land or water. Permanent residents of Canada or the United States still require a passport and visa (if applicable) to enter the United States.
Partners in Protection
- The Partners in Protection (PIP) program is designed for eligible, low-risk trade businesses that meet a minimum set of security requirements and successfully complete routine risk assessments and mandatory site validations.
- PIP is aligned with international standards such as the Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade of the World Customs Organization, which includes guidelines for Authorized Economic Operators. PIP has also entered into mutual recognition arrangements with similar programs in other countries.
Links:
For additional information, please contact:
Todd Boucher
Telephone: 613-952-9488
Email: todd.boucher@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
