ATTN International Drivers: Third Phase of ACI Begins Soon

Advance Commercial Information Definition (ACI) is a project of the Canada Border Services Agency.  ACI will require that all commercial cargo entering Canada be electronically registered with the Agency.  The program was developed to improve border safety and security.

Informed Compliance Period

On November 1, 2012, the CBSA is beginning an informed compliance period that will remain in effect until May 2013, when eManifest-enabling legislation and regulations are expected to be in place.  During this six-month informed compliance period, carriers will not be denied entry to Canada or subject to penalties for reasons associated with eManifest non-compliance, but will be informed of the requirement to transmit advance highway and cargo and conveyance data.

In May 2013, eManifest highway carrier requirements are expected to be mandatory and non-compliant carriers could be subject to penalties.The CBSA strongly encourages you to take action now to prepare to adopt eManifest requirements before they become mandatory.

eManifest, the third phase of the Advance Commercial Information (ACI) program, is about getting the right information at the right time to enhance the ability of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify potential threats to Canada, while facilitating the movement of low-risk shipments across the border.

When fully implemented, eManifest will require carriers, freight forwarders and importers in all modes of transportation (air, marine, highway and rail) to electronically transmit cargo, conveyance, house bill / supplementary cargo and importer data to the CBSA prior to loading in the marine mode and prior to arrival in the air, rail and highway modes.

Data Transmission Options

To transmit advance electronic cargo and conveyance data, highway carriers can choose to use an Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) method, recommended for high-volume carriers, or the eManifest Portal, developed primarily for small- to medium-sized businesses.

To transmit data using an EDI method, you must apply to become an EDI client.  Some EDI methods require testing with the CBSA’s eManifest Technical Support Unit (TSU) which can take a minimum of two to three months to complete. A list ofEDI software/service providers who have already completed testing of their software/service with the CBSA is available on the CBSA Web site.