CBSA Message: Attention Rail Carriers! Are you prepared to transmit eManifest data?

The following is a CBSA Message (EDI13-017).

This notice is being sent to all rail carriers registered with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information on eManifest. With the implementation of eManifest, the CBSA must receive and validate rail carriers’ cargo and conveyance data a minimum of two hours before the conveyance arrives at the border. On arrival at the border, rail carriers are also required to transmit a Conveyance Arrival Certification message to the CBSA.

In Fall 2013, when eManifest-enabling regulations are expected to be in place, eManifest requirements for rail carriers will become mandatory. The CBSA anticipates being able to provide carriers as much as 45 days advance notice of the mandatory compliance date.

The CBSA reminds you that EDI systems for rail carriers to transmit advance cargo and conveyance data and a conveyance arrival message were deployed in May 2012. The CBSA strongly encourages you to take action now to prepare to adopt eManifest requirements before they become mandatory.  Once eManifest-enabling legislation is in place, non-compliant carriers could be subject to penalties.

To transmit your eManifest data using the EDI method, you must apply to become an EDI client and perform client testing with the CBSA’s Electronic Commerce Unit. The application form is available in Appendix C of the Electronic Commerce Client Requirements Document (ECCRD) – Chapter 3: ACI/eManifest Rail.

For technical questions related to the transmission of data, please contact the Electronic Commerce Unit (ECU) at 888-957-7224 (option 1) or by email at: [email protected]. For policy related questions, please contact the eManifest Help Desk by email at: [email protected].

Visit the eManifest section of the CBSA Web site regularly and subscribe to the eManifest RSS news feed to be notified of important eManifest updates.