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 eManifest in Shipping?

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:

Improve Accuracy
Valid electronic information and data submission by multiple parties can increase accuracy

Identify
High-risk Shipments
With better insight into import cargo, potential risks can be identified earlier to improve security
Speed the Movement of Freight
Shippers can speed and simplify the shipment clearance process for goods bound for Canada

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:

Ocean
24-hours prior to loading or arrival depending on type and origin of goods

Air
4-hours prior to arrival or at the time of departure

Rail
2-hours prior to arrival

Highway
1-hour prior to arrival

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:


Trip details
Port of arrival
Date and time of arrival
Any exemption of cargo on board

Truck and trailer Information
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
License plate information

Driver information
Passport number
Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) number

Shipment information
Shipper name and address
Consignee name and address

Commodity details
Line item details on the goods including quantity and description


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.

Get Connected


Please ask us how we can help you better comply with ACI eManifest

Additional Resources & Helpful Links


ACI eManifest Commercial Importing Reporting Requirements
Information for Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and Portal Clients
CBSA Frequently Asked Questions - Regulations
In the News
Thompson Ahern International to Use Descartes for Canadian Forwarder eManifest Compliance
On-demand Web Seminar
Canadian eManifest: How to Enable Compliance
On-demand Web Seminar
A Decade in Review and Look Forward: Global Security Filings

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— Alan Dewar, EVP, Client Services & Regulatory Affairs, GHY International


“With Descartes’ help, GHY makes cross-border trade part of our customers’ competitive advantage.”

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