ACI eManifest In Effect | 2 Things To Do Right Now

The implementation of the long-awaited ACI eManifest regulations has dominated industry news in the past weeks. Highway carriers transporting goods into Canada are now required to transmit cargo and conveyance data electronically to the CBSA (Canadian Border Service Agency) a minimum of one hour before the shipment arrives at the border.

Implementation Timelines:

With eManifest requirements for highway carriers now mandatory, the following implementation timelines apply:

• From May 6, 2015, to July 10, 2015, the CBSA will provide carriers with a period of transition during which penalties for non-compliance will not be issued. The Agency will work closely with carriers on corrective measures to help them comply with eManifest requirements.
• From July 10, 2015, to January 10, 2016, carriers who do not comply with eManifest requirements may be issued zero-rated penalties (non-monetary) under the CBSA’s Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS).‍
• Beginning January 10, 2016, carriers who do not comply with eManifest requirements may be issued monetary AMPS penalties and their trucks may be returned to the U.S. until the data is transmitted to CBSA within the required timelines.

Areas Of Non-Compliance:

eManifest will be implemented nationally and will be enforceable at all commercial ports across Canada. When applicable, the CBSA may issue penalties for:

• failing to provide advance information;
• failing to provide advance information in the prescribed time or in the prescribed manner;
• failing to correct advance information;
• failing to provide true/accurate/complete information; and/or
• failing to comply with an electronic customs Risk Assessment notice.

Each penalty is intended to apply to all submission requirements and all trade chain partners responsible for pre-arrival/pre-load information, including the provision that multiple penalties may be issued per shipment if multiple trade chain partners are in contravention of their respective requirements. 

Two Things You Should Do Right Now

1. Ensure you have a valid CBSA-issued carrier code and that CBSA has your current company contact information.

To file for a carrier code you must apply directly to the Canada Border Services Agency. You must fill out a Carrier Code Application and email carrier-cargo@cbsa.gc.ca. If you have questions, call toll-free 866.749.6623.

Pacific Customs Brokers offers assistance with the carrier code application process. Please contact our Carrier Help Desk at 855.542.6644 or carrierhelpdesk@pcb.ca for more details.

2. Choose a transmission option for pre-arrival reporting.

• Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) options using Third Party Service Providers like Border Pro for Carriers eManifest filing services, Value Added Network, Customs Internet Gateway and Direct Connect to the CBSA
• The internet-based eManifest Portal developed by CBSA primarily for small-to-medium-sized businesses

A Word Of Caution:

It is important to note that when U.S. Customs and Border protection implemented their ACE eManifest program in 2007, it resulted in significant delays at the border and a logjam of carriers who waited too long to register. Please do not wait until the last minute to prepare for this. July 10, 2015 is just around the corner.

Pacific Customs Brokers offers self and full-service eManifest filing services. If you have any questions about ACI eManifest, please do not hesitate to contact our Carrier Relations Liaison at 855.542.6644  or via email at carrierhelpdesk@pcb.ca.

Learn More About ACI eManifest:

Many highway carriers and importers have found our current offering of ACI eManifest Seminars and Webinars to be very informative and helpful. In these 90-minute sessions we answer questions, offer practical solutions and help with the ACI eManifest regulations in effect. For details and to register »