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Emergency Repairs (CBSA Cargo Exemption)

Last updated 20 July 2026

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This article is part of the Shipment Release Types Guide

Emergency Repairs is a Canadian Cargo Exemption used in CBSA and ACI eManifest reporting when a commercial conveyance has been repaired outside Canada because of an unforeseen contingency, and the repair was necessary to ensure the safe return of the conveyance to Canada.[1]

This exemption is intended for unexpected mechanical, safety, or roadworthiness repairs that had to be completed outside Canada before the truck, trailer, or other commercial conveyance could safely return. It should not be used for planned work, scheduled service, routine maintenance, upgrades, cosmetic repairs, or repairs that could reasonably have been completed before leaving Canada.

Emergency Repairs may also be relevant to CBSA's Canadian Goods Abroad Program. CBSA guidance states that supporting proof may include police reports, insurance reports, and detailed repair invoices, depending on the circumstances.[2]

Video Tutorial

How to create an Emergency Repairs cargo exemption in ACI

When It Applies

Emergency Repairs may apply when all of the following conditions are met:

  • The conveyance was repaired outside Canada.
  • The repair was required because of an unforeseen contingency that occurred outside Canada.
  • The repair was necessary to ensure the safe return of the conveyance to Canada.

Examples may include urgent mechanical, safety, or roadworthiness repairs needed after a breakdown or accident outside Canada. If the repair was planned or non-urgent, the Emergency Repairs exemption should not be used.

When Not To Use It

Do not use Emergency Repairs for regular commercial freight or standard shipment reporting. It is a cargo exemption related to the conveyance repair, not a replacement for reporting goods being transported.

This exemption should generally not be used for:

  • Scheduled maintenance.
  • Preventive maintenance.
  • Planned repairs.
  • Cosmetic work.
  • Optional upgrades.
  • Repairs unrelated to the safe return of the conveyance.
  • Commercial cargo being transported in the truck or trailer.

If the conveyance is also carrying freight, the freight must still be reported separately on the ACI eManifest using the correct shipment type or cargo exemption.

Documentation

Carriers should keep clear repair documentation available in case CBSA requests it. Supporting documentation may help show that the repair was required because of an emergency or unforeseen event outside Canada.

Useful records may include:

  • Detailed repair invoice.
  • Tow bill or roadside service record.
  • Mechanic or repair shop report.
  • Police report, if an accident occurred.
  • Insurance report, if applicable.
  • Driver notes explaining the incident.
  • Photos or other supporting records, if available.

The documents should show what happened, where it happened, what repairs were completed, and why the repair was necessary for the conveyance to return safely to Canada.

Declaring in BorderConnect

Selecting the Emergency Repairs cargo exemption in BorderConnect.

Emergency Repairs are declared in BorderConnect as an ACI cargo exemption on the conveyance. The user should create or edit the ACI eManifest and select the cargo exemption type Emergency Repairs.

  1. Create or open the ACI eManifest in BorderConnect.
  2. Confirm the carrier, trip number, port of entry, ETA, truck, and trailer details.
  3. Add a cargo exemption.
  4. Select Emergency Repairs as the cargo exemption type.
  5. Save the exemption.
  6. Review the eManifest for accuracy.
  7. Transmit or sync the eManifest with CBSA.

The repair itself does not need to be entered as a standard ACI shipment. If other goods are being transported, those goods must be added separately using the correct ACI shipment type.

Timing Requirement

The Emergency Repairs exemption is reported as part of the ACI eManifest process. CBSA highway pre-arrival rules generally require the electronic trade document to be received and validated by CBSA at least one hour before arrival at the First Port of Arrival.[1]

Carriers should transmit the eManifest early enough to allow time for CBSA acceptance and any corrections that may be needed. The driver should not arrive at the border before the ACI eManifest is properly on file.

For ACI eManifest compliance, ensure the manifest is on file with CBSA for at least one hour before the driver arrives at the Canadian border. If the conveyance is also carrying PARS freight, the broker clearance should also be on file before arrival.

At the Border

At the border, the driver should be prepared to present the barcoded ACI lead sheet or other barcoded eManifest documentation. The driver should also be able to provide repair details and supporting documentation if requested by the CBSA officer.

If the conveyance is also carrying commercial freight, the driver should have the required paperwork for those shipments as well. The Emergency Repairs exemption only covers the qualifying repair exemption and does not replace shipment reporting for goods on board.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 CBSA Memorandum D3-4-2: Highway pre-arrival and reporting requirements
  2. ↑ CBSA Memorandum D8-2-4: Canadian Goods Abroad Program
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