Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I'm shipping my job to the United States. Will my job get held up at the border?

No. Hemlock Printers holds a Certificate of Origin and Customs Bond with the U.S. Customs services — documents that register Hemlock as an exporter of printed goods to the United States. This designation alerts customs officials to expedite all ground shipments to our US customers.

Hemlock has been certified by U.S. Customs and Border Protection as a C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) certified importer into the U.S. and FAST (Free and Secure Trade) approved highway carrier, ensuring swift and reliable export of printed goods from Canada.

Being a FAST approved carrier and C-TPAT importer into the U.S. means our trucks will not experience waiting in border line-ups. There are dedicated lanes for greater speed and efficiency in the clearance of FAST shipments. Our customers are guaranteed that they will be provided with the highest level of security of their products in our facility or in transit.

FAST (Free and Secure trade)
The FAST program is designed to ensure security and safety while enhancing the economic prosperity of both Canada and the U.S. This will promote free and secure trade by using common risk management principles, supply chain security, industry partnership and advanced technology.

Being a FAST approved Highway Carrier, customers are guaranteed that they will be provided with the highest level of security, while promoting a policy of no tolerance for terrorism.

C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism)
In June 2005 Hemlock Printers was certified as a C-TPAT importer into the U.S. C-TPAT is a collaboration between the government and business designed to strengthen overall supply chain and border security.

C-TPAT recognizes that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can provide the highest level of cargo security only through close cooperation with the ultimate owners of the international supply chain. Through this initiative, CBP is asking businesses to ensure the integrity of their security practices and communicate and verify the security guidelines of their business partners within the supply chain.

C-TPAT offers trade-related businesses an opportunity to play an active role in the war against terrorism. By participating in this first worldwide supply chain security initiative, companies will ensure a more secure and expeditious supply chain for their employees, suppliers and customers. Beyond these essential security benefits, CBP will offer benefits to certain certified C-TPAT member categories, including:

• To encourage A reduced number of CBP inspections (reduced border delay times)
• Priority processing for CBP inspections. (Front of the Line processing for inspections when possible.)

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