Emergency Repairs (CBSA Cargo Exemption)
| 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 that occurred outside Canada, and the repair was necessary to ensure the safe return of the conveyance to Canada.<ref name="d342">CBSA Memorandum D3-4-2: Highway pre-arrival and reporting requirements</ref>
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.<ref name="d824">CBSA Memorandum D8-2-4: Canadian Goods Abroad Program</ref>
Training video: How to create an Emergency Repairs cargo exemption in ACI.
When Emergency Repairs May Apply
This cargo exemption is intended for repairs that meet all of the following conditions:
- the conveyance was repaired outside Canada;
- the repair was required because of an unforeseen contingency that occurred outside Canada; and
- the repair was necessary to ensure the safe return of the conveyance to Canada.
It should not be used for scheduled maintenance, planned repairs, or non-emergency upgrades. Carriers should keep repair documentation available in case it is requested by CBSA.
Declaring an Emergency Repairs Cargo Exemption in ACI eManifest
Emergency Repairs are reported on an ACI eManifest as a cargo exemption on the conveyance. The carrier should create an ACI eManifest in BorderConnect's ACI eManifest software and select the cargo exemption type "Emergency Repairs".
The repair itself does not need to be entered as a standard ACI shipment. If the conveyance is also carrying commercial freight, each additional shipment must still be reported on the eManifest as a shipment or, where applicable, as another cargo exemption.
The eManifest must be transmitted as part of the carrier's ACI eManifest reporting. CBSA highway pre-arrival rules generally require the trade document to be received and validated at least one hour before arrival at the First Port of Arrival.<ref name="d342" />
At the Border
At the border, the driver should be prepared to present the barcoded ACI lead sheet or other barcoded eManifest documentation, along with the Emergency Repairs information and any repair documentation requested by the officer.
| In order to comply with ACI eManifest requirements, you are required to ensure that both your manifest and the broker clearance on any PARS shipments are on file with CBSA for at least one hour before the driver arrives at the border. |
References
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