Automotive Line Release (CBSA Shipment Type)

🔖 This article is part of the Shipment Release Types Guide

Automotive Line Release (Canada/CBSA)

A specialized line-release method for production automotive parts destined for General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler.

Type: Shipment Release Country: Canada (CBSA)

Automotive Carrier

Overview

Automotive Line Release is a streamlined Canadian shipment type used under CBSA's "New Automotive System." It allows eligible production and service goods to be released at the Primary Inspection Line (PIL) without a standard customs broker entry (PARS).

This program is exclusive to shipments destined for the "Big Three" manufacturers:

• General Motors of Canada Limited
• Ford Motor Company of Canada Limited
• Chrysler Canada Limited (Stellantis)

Important Restriction: Complete vehicles (finished cars/trucks) do not qualify for this release type. They must be cleared via standard commercial processes.

✅ Eligibility: What Can Be Shipped?

Only goods that meet the strict definition of automotive production or service goods are eligible.

✅ Eligible Goods	❌ Non-Eligible Goods
Production Parts Assembly-line components, OEM production materials. Service Parts Warranty parts, dealer replacement parts.	Complete Vehicles Finished cars or trucks. Miscellaneous Office supplies, computers, furniture. Equipment Machinery, tooling, non-production equipment.

Mixed Loads: If a shipment includes non-qualifying goods (e.g., office chairs), it cannot be released using Automotive Line Release. You must use a standard release type (e.g., PARS) for those items.

Documentation (Form A49)

Form A49 Example

The Form A49

To use this release method, the driver must present a completed Form A49 – Automotive Report & Release Document.

• Replacement: This form replaces the standard highway cargo control document.
• Control Number: It contains the unique automotive release number used by CBSA and the manufacturer.

Reporting in ACI eManifest

Automotive Line Release shipments must be reported electronically.

1 Start New Shipment

Inside your ACI eManifest, click Create New Shipment.

• Shipment Type: Select Automotive Line Release (or A49).
• Cargo Control Number: Assign a unique CCN (Carrier Code + Number).

Selecting Automotive Line Release in ACI

2 Enter Details

• Shipper: The automotive supplier.
• Consignee: The specific GM, Ford, or Chrysler facility.
• Commodity: Clear description (e.g., "Auto Parts").
• Transmit: Save and click Sync with CBSA.

At the Border

What the Driver Needs

• ACI Lead Sheet: A lead sheet with a machine-readable barcode (CCN or CRN).
• Form A49: The properly completed Automotive Report & Release Document.

1-Hour Rule: The ACI eManifest must be transmitted and accepted by CBSA at least 1 hour prior to arrival at the border.

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References