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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- General
- Client Types
- Highway Carriers
- Does eManifest apply to all highway carriers?
- What are the requirements for highway carriers?
- How can highway carriers transmit data to the CBSA?
- What is the application process for transmitting EDI data?
- What is the application process for using the eManifest Portal?
- Will eManifest be enforceable at all border crossings?
- What support is available for clients?
- Rail Carriers
- Freight Forwarders / Importers
- Highway Carriers
General
What is eManifest?
eManifest is the third phase of the Advance Commercial Information (ACI) program. The first two phases of ACI require air and marine carriers to electronically transmit pre-arrival cargo and conveyance information to the CBSA, within advance time frames.
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.
Why is the government implementing eManifest?
eManifest is part of the overall measures the Government of Canada is putting in place to enhance the safety and security of Canadians and international trade while streamlining cross-border processes.
The collection and risk assessment of pre-arrival data under eManifest will improve the CBSA's ability to detect high-risk shipments before they arrive at the border while expediting the processing of low-risk, legitimate trade.
Will eManifest be mandatory and apply to all goods crossing the Canadian border?
Yes, eManifest will be mandatory in most cases. However, eManifest will not apply to, for example, postal shipments (full loads only), shipments cleared under the Courier Low-Value Shipment Program, or to shipments exported from Canada.
More information is available on the eManifest Requirements for Commercial Clients page of the CBSA Web site.
How and when will eManifest be implemented?
eManifest is being implemented over a number of years, by client type.
What options are available for sending advance data electronically to the CBSA?
Clients can transmit the required electronic data using either:
Client Types
Highway Carriers
Does eManifest apply to all highway carriers?
eManifest applies to most highway carriers who transport commercial goods into Canada.
In certain cases, highway carriers may be exempt from the requirement to transmit pre-arrival cargo and conveyance data. Refer to the eManifest Requirements for Commercial Clients page of the CBSA Web site.
What are the requirements for highway carriers?
With the implementation of eManifest, highway carriers transporting goods into Canada will be required to transmit cargo and conveyance data electronically to the CBSA prior to arrival. The cargo and conveyance data must be received and validated by the CBSA a minimum of one hour before the shipment arrives at the border.
Visit the eManifest Requirements for Commercial Clients page of the CBSA Web site for more information.
How can highway carriers transmit data to the CBSA?
Highway carriers, or their service providers, who have registered and tested their EDI systems with the CBSA can transmit pre-arrival cargo and conveyance data using an EDI transmission option.
Alternatively, carriers may choose to transmit their cargo and conveyance data through the eManifest Portal.
What is the application process for transmitting EDI data?
New or existing EDI clients may begin the application process by requesting the most recent version of the ECCRD – Chapter 4: ACI/eManifest Highway, which includes the client application form (Appendix C).
Client testing is mandatory prior to data transmission and a valid carrier code is required to facilitate this process. For further information on the process for obtaining a carrier code, visit the Commercial Carriers section of the CBSA Web site.
Please refer to the EDI application notice posted on the CBSA Web site for more information.
What is the application process for using the eManifest Portal?
Businesses will register for the eManifest Portal online. They will need a carrier code and a Shared Secret to complete this online process. Refer to the eManifest section of the CBSA Web site for more information.
Will eManifest be enforceable at all border crossings?
Yes, eManifest will be implemented nationally and will be enforceable at all commercial ports across Canada.
What support is available for clients?
eManifest client support is available by telephone and e-mail.
The CBSA also offers free eManifest presentations to help clients prepare for mandatory eManifest requirements and to learn more about the eManifest Portal. Additional Portal resources are available on the eManifest Portal Help and Support page.
Rail Carriers
What are the requirements for rail carriers?
With the implementation of eManifest, rail carriers transporting goods into Canada are required to transmit cargo and conveyance data electronically to the CBSA prior to arrival. The cargo and conveyance data must be received and validated by the CBSA a minimum of two hours before arrival at the border.
On arrival at the border, rail carriers are also required to transmit a Conveyance Arrival Certification message to the CBSA.
Visit the eManifest Requirements for Commercial Clients page of the CBSA Web site for more information.
Freight Forwarders / Importers
What are the requirements for freight forwarders and importers?
eManifest requirements are listed by client type in the eManifest Requirements for Commercial Clients section of the CBSA Web site.
When final, policies, procedures and other detailed requirements will be made available through the Reporting of Imported Goods Regulations, Customs Notices and D-Memoranda.
Data transmission requirements will be published in applicable chapters of the ECCRD in advance of eManifest systems' deployment.
How will I know when new eManifest information has been published?
Visit the eManifest section of the CBSA Web site regularly for updates. If you would like to be notified immediately when new information regarding eManifest is posted on the CBSA Web site, you may register for the RSS feed.
