/EINPresswire.com/ -- OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 05/12/16 -- The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today 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.

Quick Facts

--  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.
--  Canada and the United States continue to develop a common approach for
    Trusted Trader programs that aligns requirements, enhances member
    benefits, and facilitates the cross-border movement of commercial goods.
--  As of April 2016, the CBSA had over 61,000 registered FAST drivers; 679
    FAST-approved carriers and 71 FAST-approved importers.
--  Existing FAST sites in Canada are located at Windsor, ON; Sarnia, ON;
    and Pacific Highway, BC.

Quotes

"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."

The Honourable Ralph Goodale

Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Associated Links

--  Canada Border Services Agency
--  Executive Summary of Free and Secure Trade (FAST) Recommendation Report

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Contacts:
Canada Border Services Agency
Media Line
613-957-6500

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