Canadian Advance Commercial Information (ACI) eManifest Resource Center

Updated Information for Canadian Security Filing Requirements for Inbound Shipments

This resource center includes information regarding the ACI eManifest program for shipments into and out of Canada. We encourage you to bookmark this page and to check back often for updated information regarding the program.

What is ACI in Shipping?

What is ACI in shipping is a fundamental question. ACI eManifest is a mandatory CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) security protocol designed to provide advanced notice and data on the commodities and parties involved in the movement of freight.

Why was ACI eManifest created?

ACI eManifest was created to:

How can businesses comply with ACI eManifest?

Importers and inbound carriers are required to file eManifest data for shipments for all modes of transport. To comply, companies need to file their cargo data with both CBSA and the customs broker. In regard to Canadian cargo, software may be required to enable compliance with eManifest.

Mode-specific filing timeframes include:

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Overview by Mode of Transport

Freight Forwarders

Freight Forwarders must electronically transmit advance house bill data on consolidated freight to the CBSA. The CBSA must receive and validate data within the timeframes specified by mode.

Implementation Timeline for Freight Forwarders

Simply stated and though exceptions apply, freight forwarders must submit the required data to the CBSA. Starting July 5, 2021, electronic house bills must be used for non-exempt consolidated shipments or face potential monetary penalties.

Air Carriers

Air carriers transporting goods into Canada must transmit cargo and conveyance data electronically to the CBSA prior to arrival. The CBSA must receive and validate cargo and conveyance data a minimum of 4-hours prior to arrival in Canada or at time of departure if the flight is less than 4-hours in duration.

Marine Carriers

CBSA must receive electronic conveyance and cargo data 24-96 hours prior to loading or arrival of goods in Canadian ports of entry. This variable time-period for submission is determined by the type of goods and the duration of the vessel’s journey.

Pre-Arrival Notification (PAN)

ACI eManifest does not change the Pre-Arrival Notification (PAN) process. Arrangements to clear a vessel can still be made with the local CBSA office and with the submission of a completed pre-arrival notice prior to arrival of the vessel.

Rail Carriers

CBSA must receive and validate cargo and conveyance data a minimum of 2-hours before the conveyance arrives at the border.

Highway Carriers

CBSA must receive electronic conveyance and cargo at least 1- hour before the truck arrives at the border.

What Data Needs to Be Included for ACI Emanifest Compliance for Truck Shipments?

The ACI data requirements include:

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

Beyond turning back shipments from the Canadian border, CBSA uses the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) to issue monetary penalties to commercial clients for violating CBSA's trade and border legislation. These penalties can easily reach thousands of dollars.

The purpose of AMPS is to provide CBSA with a means to deter non-compliance by its clients and create a level playing field for all Canadian businesses.

How Descartes Can Help?

A long standing innovator in customs and security filing solutions, Descartes offers a wide range of solutions to comply with the latest mandates from the Canadian government. These cloud-based solutions are rapid to deploy, user friendly, and help customers cost effectively keep pace with regulatory changes affecting international trade.