22 July 2003

CCRA Announces New Timeframes for Advance Cargo Reporting

The following news release is from the CCRA.

Elinor Caplan, Minister of National Revenue, today proposed new timeframes for Advance Cargo Reporting for goods being imported into Canada for all modes of transportation. Very similar timeframes are also being proposed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (US CBP).

"This announcement demonstrates the CCRA's and the US CBP's commitment to the business community for the effective movement of goods without compromising our role of maintaining the safety and security of our borders," said Minister Caplan. "It will further enable both border agencies to use automated risk assessment systems to scrutinize shipments that require a closer look."

Under the CCRA proposals, carriers and freight forwarders involved in the importation of goods will be required to provide electronic data about the cargo being imported to Customs within the following time frames according to the mode of transport:

- Rail - 2 hours prior to arrival;
- Air - (for flights greater than 4 hours) - 4 hours prior to arrival;
- Air - (for flights of less than 4 hours) - 'Wheel's up', at time of take off;
- Highway - (for non-FAST shipments) - 1 hour prior to arrival;
- Highway - (for FAST shipments) - no advance reporting requirement - Canada bound;
- Marine - 24 hours prior to lading (effective April 2004).

"These timeframes are the result of extensive consultations with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and all stakeholders," added Minister Caplan. "The CCRA will continue to consult with industry and work with all parties involved to ensure a smooth implementation of the new reporting timeframes."

Today's proposals are a follow-up to the CCRA's April 2003 announcement to implement a 24-hour advance cargo notification for all marine cargo importations.

New regulations and an implementation schedule governing mandatory Advance Cargo Reporting will be introduced later this year.

This announcement further strengthens the CCRA's commitment under the Customs Action Plan and supports the Canada-U.S. Smart Border Declaration of consistency in automated reporting for North American shipments.