Further to our message of August 2, 2012 concerning CBSA‘s proposed policy change on abends, we will continue to work with CBSA to develop a collaborative solution to the challenges associated with transmissions exceeding the 999 line limit. The following has been provided to us.
“As a result of feedback provided, the CBSA will withhold the application of penalties as of the originally stipulated implementation date of August 13th, 2012, until into the Fall. This will allow for customs brokerage firms to communicate with their clients as required to meet ECCRD and recapitulation requirements long in place.
All brokers should, however, consider this as their notification that these measures, to ensure adherence to the stipulated requirements, will be coming into force in the not too distant future. We will further communicate a designated effective date in the upcoming weeks.
While it is recognized current CBSA electronic systems do not match private sector capabilities, until the CBSA Accounting and Revenue Management (CARM) project fully designs our future state, requirements of current systems must be adhered to.”
For the time being, the proposal to assess penalties for abends resulting from exceeding the limit is on hold. Please note however that the requirements of the ECCRD remain unchanged and that CBSA fully intends to move toward attaining the standard associated with the line limit maximum. Members’ suggestions on how this transition can best be managed are most welcome. Keep watching your CSCB emails for updates.