Notice

January 28, 2011

Update on eManifest implementation in highway mode

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On October 31, 2010, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) made eManifest electronic data interchange (EDI) systems available to highway carriers, or their service providers, for the transmission of cargo and conveyance data before their arrival at the border.

I am pleased to inform you that, as of January 20, 2011, the CBSA had received 239 eManifest conveyance and 3403 related cargo transmissions from a variety of carriers and service providers for shipments entering Canada at ports of entry in all regions. Although the numbers are relatively low at this time, they are increasing daily as clients complete systems' testing and carriers implement electronic processes throughout their fleets on a national basis.

Since implementation, all eManifest conveyance submissions monitored have been processed successfully and approximately 41 percent of monitored cargo submissions required more technical support to process successfully. The CBSA has risk assessed the advance data, the carriers have arrived at the border and presented their bar-coded document to link to the transmitted data, and the shipments were released. These transactions have been successfully completed with final accounting having closed the loop in the CBSA's commercial process. Client support teams are in place and answering clients' technical, general or policy questions.

As with any new process, the CBSA has encountered a few minor problems with some transactions that we are working to resolve. But on the whole, this first stage of eManifest implementation has been successful.

Similarly, we recognize that our trade partners may also be experiencing a few difficulties adapting to the new cross-border process. Until this process becomes 'routine' and given the issues encountered to date, it would be helpful if carriers do not, at this time, include the 3-digit Service Option (SO) on the document or lead sheet drivers present at the Primary Inspection Line (PIL) for eManifest shipments. In addition, carriers are reminded that on arrival at PIL, drivers should:

• inform the border services officer that they are carrying an eManifest shipment;
• be aware that eManifest is not a "pilot project" or "testing" phase of the Advance Commercial Information (ACI) initiative;
• present a document or lead sheet containing one bar code – either a bar-coded Conveyance Reference Number (CRN), or a bar-coded Cargo Control Number (CCN) with the CRN handwritten on the document – that will link to the transmitted data. Both of these numbers must begin with the carrier's 4‑character CBSA-assigned carrier code; and
• be advised that although the preferred eManifest identifier is a CRN, a PARS bar code with a handwritten CRN can be presented as an alternative key to the CRN but that this may cause delays in processing at the border.

I thank you for your continued support and patience as we progress with the implementation of this important initiative to enhance the safety and security of Canadians and international trade.

Bruna Rados
Director General
eManifest and Major Projects Directorate
Programs Branch
Canada Border Services Agency