CHAMPLAIN, N.Y — A FAST dedicated lane opened southbound, at the Champlain, New York / Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle, Que. border crossing on April 18.

FAST traffic entering Canada will continue to use the existing lane. The FAST (Free and Secure Trade) program is a bilateral initiative between the United States and Canada designed to ensure security and safety of Americans and Canadians, while enhancing the economic prosperity of both countries.

Canadian and U.S. federal officials made the announcement jointly.

“FAST is one of our ‘smart border’ initiatives. It improves security, yet moves goods faster and more efficiently across the border,” said Commissioner Robert C. Bonner, of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency. “Our FAST partners secure their supply chains so that their shipments are no risk for terrorism. They are rewarded with expedited processing for their shipments, and use of a FAST designated lane.”

“The FAST program is an excellent example of how the government and private sector are working together to protect the security of Canada’s economy,” said Anne McLellan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Responsible for Public Security and Emergency Preparedness, for the Canadian Border Services Agency.

In developing the FAST program, United States and Canada have harmonized, to the maximum extent possible, their commercial processes for clearance of commercial shipments at the border. This promotes free and secure trade by using common risk-management principles, supply chain security, industry partnership, and advanced technology to improve the efficiency of screening and clearing commercial traffic at the U.S./Canada border.

Approximately 1,300 trucks cross into Champlain daily from Canada. The hours for the Champlain designated FAST lane will coincide with the heavy traffic patterns.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the protection of the United States borders. CBP unified Customs, Immigration, and Agriculture Inspectors and the Border Patrol into one border agency for the United States.

The Canada Border Services Agency was established in December 2003, to maximize the efficiency of Canada’s front-line border agencies.
For more information visit: www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/import/commercial_enforcement/ctpat/fast/us_canada/ (United States)
www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/fast/ (Canada)