Improvements Needed in the Process to Certify Carriers for the Free and Secure Trade Program   [open pdf - 2MB]

This Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) report "addresses the strengths and weaknesses of the United States Customs and Border Protection's [CBP] ability to ensure that only low risk commercial carriers and drivers are allowed to participate in the Free and Secure Trade Program [FAST]. It is based on interviews with employees and officials of relevant agencies and institutions, direct observations, and a review of applicable documents. [...] The Free and Secure Trade program is a commercial clearance program for known low-risk shipments entering the United States from Canada and Mexico which allows for expedited processing of entities that have completed background checks and fulfill certain eligibility requirements. [...] Improvements are needed in CBP's initial enrollment process for FAST carriers to ensure that only low risk carriers are allowed to participate in the FAST program."