Customs Compliance Guide (CBP and CBSA)
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🔖 This article is part of the Customs Compliance Guide |
Customs Compliance Guide
A comprehensive resource for highway carriers crossing the border into Canada and the United States.
Overview
The BorderConnect Customs Compliance Guide is intended to provide basic knowledge to highway carriers who cross the border into Canada and the United States commercially and are looking for information on specific ports and compliance programs.
For information on specific eManifest software, visit the:
Need Help Getting Started?
For advanced information or help setting up specific customs compliance programs, visit BorderConnect Do-It-Yourself Customs Consulting, or contact BorderConnect toll-free at 1-800-596-5176.
Crossing Into the U.S. (CBP)
In order to cross commercially into the United States, the carrier will need to complete the following registration steps:
1. DOT/MC Number: Register with the Department of Transportation to obtain a US DOT or MC number. 2. SCAC Code: Register with the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA.org) to obtain a Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC). 3. Barcodes & ACE: Order PAPS barcode labels and begin processing ACE electronic manifests.
Helpful CBP Resources
U.S. Compliance Documents
| Document Name | Link |
|---|---|
| Application for SCAC Code | NMFTA Application |
| Application for US DOT Number | MCS-150C Form |
| Application for Motor Carrier Number | OP-1 Form |
| Personal Shipment | CBP Form 3299 |
| Free of Duty | CBP Form 7523 |
| Returned American Products | CBP Form 3311 |
Crossing Into Canada (CBSA)
In order to cross commercially into Canada, the carrier will need to complete the following registration steps:
1. Provincial Authority: Register with the specific provincial transportation authority (e.g., CVOR in Ontario). 2. Carrier Code: Apply for a Bonded or Non-Bonded Carrier Code with the CBSA. This 4-character code identifies your company. 3. Barcodes & ACI: Create PARS barcode labels and register to process ACI eManifests.
Helpful CBSA Resources
Canadian Compliance Documents
| Document Name | Link |
|---|---|
| CVOR Information (MTO) | MTO Website |
| Commercial Vehicle Operators Registration | CVOR Application |
| Application for Carrier Code | Form BSF329-7 |
| Changing Bond Status for Existing Carriers | Form BSF722 |
| Temporary Admission Permit | Form E29B |
| Manual Correction Form (Post Arrival) | Form BSF673 |
Trusted Trader Programs
Trusted Trader programs enhance border security while speeding up the processing of low-risk shipments.
| Program | Description & Resources |
|---|---|
| FAST (Free and Secure Trade) |
A joint initiative between CBP and CBSA. Carriers that are FAST approved for the U.S. are afforded special processing including dedicated lanes. • FAST Information Page |
| CSA (Customs Self Assessment) |
Allows for the clearance of goods imported by a CSA Approved importer and transported by a CSA Approved carrier. Drivers must be registered with CDRP or FAST. |
| PIP (Partners in Protection) |
A cooperative program between private industry and the CBSA to enhance border and trade chain security. Required for FAST eligibility in Canada. |
| C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) |
A voluntary public-private sector supply chain security program led by CBP. Required for FAST eligibility in the U.S. |
Do-It-Yourself Customs Consulting Guide
Learn how to cross commercially into the U.S. and Canada. The DIY Customs Consulting Guide focuses on everything from getting started to what documentation is required.
Crossing Into Canada
- What are the steps I need to complete to start crossing into Canada as U.S. based highway carrier?
- What is a CVOR and how do I get my provincial authority?
- What is a Highway Carrier Code, and how do I apply for one?
- Difference between a bonded and non-bonded Canadian Highway Carrier?
- What cross-border supplies do I need, and what are PARS barcode labels?
- How do I prepare my driver to cross into Canada commercially?
- What is an ACI eManifest and how do I register?
- What is a customs broker and what documents do I need to send them?
- How do I become a Canadian bonded highway carrier?
Crossing Into The United States
- What are the steps I need to complete to start crossing into the U.S. as a Canadian based highway carrier?
- What is a USDOT/MC Number and how do I get my authority?
- What is a Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC), and how do I apply for one?
- Difference between a bonded and non-bonded U.S. Highway Carrier?
- What cross-border supplies do I need, and what are PAPS barcode labels?
- How do I prepare my driver to cross into the U.S. commercially?
- What is an ACE Manifest and how do I register?
- What is a customs broker and what documents do I need to send them?
- How do I become a U.S. bonded highway carrier?