Advance Commercial Information (ACI) Program
Getting the Right Information at the Right Time to the CBSA

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

Freight forwarders are now responsible to submit house-level Bill of Lading (BOL) information electronically to the CBSA. As a global leader in compliance and forwarder enterprise solutions, Descartes provides a robust and user-friendly solution for forwarders that facilitates forwarder compliance with the latest filing mandate.

A Three-Tiered Approach for Enabling Compliance


Document Management

In addition to timing CBSA submissions based on mode of transport, filers are also required to maintain a record of their submissions for up to 6-years from the date of transmission. CBSA has noted that their portal may not be used as a means for record-keeping. The agency has also stated that freight forwarders are responsible for establishing their own effective record-management system to comply with the regulation.

Validation and Visibility

Ensuring the accuracy of data submitted to the CBSA is also the responsibility of the forwarder. With penalties for non-compliance enforceable by Canada’s Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS), data accuracy is the cornerstone of compliance. The Descartes Canadian Forwarder eManifest solution includes a thorough data validation engine that helps to highlight potential errors both during data entry and prior to transmission.

Collaboration and Data Sharing

The Descartes ACI Forwarder eManifest solution places you at the center of information management. You can not only access data online, but can also share information with the business partners and customers you enable. The end result is enhanced visibility and added connectivity which can contribute to improved operational productivity.

 

Descartes ACI Forwarder eManifest™ Features

Flexible, Template-based Architecture

The Descartes Canadian Forwarder eManifest solution includes a template-driven interface to jumpstart data entry. Authorized users can add, modify and delete templates to adapt to the unique needs of their business and drive-up efficiency.

Advanced Search & Query Functionality

An intuitive search functionality helps accelerate customer service and mirrors the same basic fields commonly found in trade documentation, including Bill of Lading (BOL), container number, port of origin and more.

Reference and Reporting

Comprehensive reporting tools capture shipment information from the electronic manifest and store it in a secure data repository.

Information Privacy

As part of Descartes Global Logistics Network™ (Descartes GLN™), all information is securely transmitted; protecting the privacy of all parties.