E-Manifest Sync Feature (ACE and ACI eManifest)
Last updated 20 July 2026
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| This article is part of the BorderConnect Software User Guide |
The eManifest Sync Feature in BorderConnect allows users to send, update, correct, or cancel ACE and ACI eManifests using a simplified sync workflow. Instead of choosing individual customs messages manually, users can make changes to a manifest and then click Sync with CBP or Sync with CBSA to have BorderConnect determine the required customs messaging.
This guide assumes that you have an active software subscription with BorderConnect. If you are not presently set up with an account, please contact BorderConnect.
Video Tutorial
Overview
The eManifest Sync Feature helps BorderConnect handle more of the complex messaging that may be required when working with ACE and ACI eManifests. Previously, if a user transmitted an eManifest and later changed details such as the truck, driver, trip number, trailer, or shipment, the user needed to select the correct customs message manually from the Send to CBP or Send to CBSA options.
With eManifest Sync, the user can update the manifest details first and then click Sync with CBP or Sync with CBSA from the top of the eManifest Details page. BorderConnect will then send the appropriate message or sequence of messages to customs based on the current state of the manifest.
When Sync Is Used
eManifest Sync is used when an ACE or ACI eManifest needs to be transmitted, updated, corrected, or cancelled. The button shown depends on the manifest type.
| Manifest Type | Sync Button | Customs Agency |
|---|---|---|
| ACE Manifest | Sync with CBP | U.S. Customs and Border Protection |
| ACI eManifest | Sync with CBSA | Canada Border Services Agency |
Sync may be required after changes are made to trip, driver, truck, trailer, passenger, shipment, port, ETA, or other manifest details. If the manifest has already been sent to customs, the Sync section will identify that changes exist and that the manifest needs to be synced again.
Syncing an eManifest
After creating an ACE or ACI eManifest and preparing it for customs transmission, click Sync with CBP or Sync with CBSA at the top of the eManifest Details page.
Once the eManifest is transmitted, the manifest status will usually move to two yellow bars, or Transmitted. The Sync section at the top of the eManifest Details page will show that eManifest Sync is in progress, including details about the message being sent and an estimated time remaining.
After the eManifest is accepted by customs, the status will usually move to three blue bars, or On File. The Sync section will show a check mark with a Synced with CBP or Synced with CBSA message to confirm that the ACE or ACI eManifest is now on file with customs.
Making Changes
If changes are made to an eManifest that is already on file with customs, the Sync section will show the Sync with CBP or Sync with CBSA button again. It will also show that sync is required and list the changes that were made to the manifest.
Review the listed changes before syncing. Once the user confirms that the updates are correct, click Sync with CBP or Sync with CBSA again to update the eManifest with customs.
During the update, the page will again show a sync-in-progress message at the top of the eManifest Details page. After customs accepts the update, the manifest will return to a synced state.
Sync Indicators
Users can identify manifests that need to be synced from both the eManifest Details page and the eManifest listing page. This helps users catch unsynced changes before a driver reaches the border.
If a manifest shows that sync is required, it means there are changes in BorderConnect that have not yet been sent to customs. The user should open the manifest, review the required sync details, and click the appropriate sync button before the driver crosses.
Cancelling a Manifest
If the user needs to cancel an eManifest, click Cancel eManifest from the eManifest Details page. The manifest status may briefly move to Transmitted while BorderConnect sends the cancellation message.
Shortly after the cancellation is accepted, the manifest will show as cancelled and will be removed or cancelled in the customs system as applicable. Users should confirm the cancellation status before assuming the manifest is no longer active with CBP or CBSA.
Trip Action Plan
For detailed information on the specific customs messages sent by BorderConnect, view the Trip Action Plan / Changelog History near the bottom of the eManifest Details page. This area shows the message history and helps users understand what BorderConnect sent to customs and when.
The Trip Action Plan is especially useful when troubleshooting rejected messages, reviewing corrections, or confirming whether a cancellation or update was transmitted. It provides a detailed record of the sync workflow for the manifest.
Best Practices
- Review the manifest before clicking Sync with CBP or Sync with CBSA.
- Confirm that the driver, truck, trailer, port, ETA, and shipment details are accurate.
- After making changes to an on-file manifest, check whether the Sync section says sync is required.
- Do not assume that edits made in BorderConnect have been sent to customs until the manifest has been synced.
- Check the eManifest listing page for any manifests showing a sync required indicator.
- Use the Trip Action Plan / Changelog History when reviewing what messages were sent.
- Confirm that the manifest returns to a synced or on-file state before the driver arrives at the border.