24 July 2003

Deadline Approaching for Driver Registration Requirement for FIRST Option

The following article is from the Ontario Trucking Association.

According to the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA), effective August 1, 2003 drivers who report under the FIRST (Frequent Importer Release System) option will be processed in the same manner as those reporting under CSA (Customs Self Assessment) with CDRP (Commercial Driver Registration Program) or FAST (Free and Secure Trade) registration.

It is preferred that drivers present their CDRP card to the PIL (Primary Inspection Lane) officer; however, if the driver is registered but has not yet been issued the card, CCRA will accept a driver’s licence with photo identification as a means to access the driver’s registration in the customs database. Drivers who do not provide a CDRP or FAST card and are found not to be registered in the database will not be processed under the FIRST option. A different release option will be required for clearance of the load.