A8A In-Bond Cargo Control Document (Customs Glossary)
Last updated 13 August 2026
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| This article is part of the Customs Glossary Guide |
The A8A In-Bond Cargo Control Document is a critical form used in Canada for the transportation and control of in-bond merchandise.[1] In-bond merchandise refers to goods that are moving under customs control within Canada, either passing through Canada to a foreign destination or being transported to an inland customs office, sufferance warehouse, or bonded warehouse for release.[2] The A8A form is utilized by carriers, freight forwarders, and bonded warehouses to account for the movement of in-bond merchandise under the supervision of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). This article provides an overview of the A8A In-Bond Cargo Control Document and the scenarios in which it is used.
The A8A In-Bond Cargo Control Document is an official document regulated by the CBSA in Canada. It plays a crucial role in facilitating the movement of in-bond merchandise through Canadian territory without subjecting it to import duties or taxes. The form serves as a comprehensive record of the merchandise's origin, intended destination, transporting carrier, and other essential information.
Scenarios in Which the A8A In-Bond Cargo Control Document is Used
Transit Shipments:
Scenario: Goods are transported through Canada to a foreign country, and their final destination is not within Canada's borders.
Use of A8A: The A8A form is employed to authorize the in-bond movement of the goods through Canada to their foreign destination without the need for formal entry or payment of import duties.
Movement to an Inland Customs Office or Warehouse:
Scenario: Goods arrive in Canada but are not released at the border, and are moved in-bond to an inland customs office, sufferance warehouse, or bonded warehouse where they are reported and released.
Use of A8A: The A8A form authorizes the in-bond movement of the goods to the inland location while keeping them under CBSA supervision until release.
Goods Transported to Border Customs Control Zones:
Scenario: Goods arrive at a border customs control zone in Canada, and they are intended to be exported without entering the Canadian market.
Use of A8A: The A8A form ensures the goods remain under CBSA supervision in the border zone until they are ready for exportation.
Electronic Reporting Requirements
As of July 1, 2019, the CBSA no longer requires highway carriers to complete and present a paper A8A In-Bond Cargo Control Document at the border.[3] In-bond shipments are now reported electronically through ACI eManifest, which must be transmitted to the CBSA at least one hour before the shipment arrives at the border. Carriers can create and submit these in-bond shipments using BorderConnect's ACI eManifest software, and the A8A form and its cargo control number continue to be used to identify and account for the shipment, generated electronically rather than completed by hand. A8A forms can also be printed from BorderConnect's ACI eManifest software when creating an ACI In-Bond shipment.
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Conclusion
The A8A In-Bond Cargo Control Document is a vital instrument used by the Canada Border Services Agency to regulate the movement of in-bond merchandise through Canadian territory. It facilitates the efficient transportation of goods to foreign destinations without subjecting them to import duties or taxes within Canada. By adhering to the proper procedures and utilizing the A8A form correctly, carriers, freight forwarders, and bonded warehouses can ensure a smooth in-bond movement, compliance with CBSA regulations, and the seamless movement of goods in international trade.
Ordering A8A Forms
Physical A8A(B) In-Bond Cargo Control Documents can be ordered through BorderPrint, available in blank, pre-printed (with barcoded cargo control numbers), and with-PARS-labels versions.
See also
References
- ↑ Form A8A(B), In Bond – Cargo Control Document, Canada Border Services Agency.
- ↑ Memorandum D3-1-5: International Commercial Transportation, CBSA.
- ↑ Timely Pre-arrival Data for Highway Carriers, CBSA.