Goods Astray (CBSA Shipment Type)

🔖 This article is part of the Shipment Release Types Guide

Goods Astray (Canada/CBSA)

A guide to reporting misrouted, undeliverable, or "found" goods entering Canada.

Type: Shipment Release Country: Canada (CBSA)

Overview

Goods Astray (also known as Misrouted Goods) is a specific Shipment Type used to report goods that are entering Canada because they were misrouted, incorrectly delivered, or refused in the United States.

This is an Informal Entry. This means no customs broker is required, and no Transaction Number (PARS) is issued. The carrier acts as the primary party reporting the goods to Customs.

The "No Broker" Rule: Because these goods are not technically being "imported" for consumption (they are usually just returning home or crossing by mistake), you do not need a broker entry to clear them.

📦 When to Use Goods Astray

This shipment type is restricted to specific scenarios. Do not use it for regular commercial returns (e.g., warranty repairs).

Scenario	Description
Undeliverable Exports	Goods you exported from Canada to the U.S., but the receiver refused them, or the address was wrong. They are returning to Canada immediately.
Misrouted (GPS Error)	A driver intending to go from U.S. Point A to U.S. Point B takes a wrong turn and accidentally ends up at the Canadian border.
Found Astray	Foreign goods discovered inside the truck after arrival in Canada (e.g., "overages" found at the dock).

Reporting in ACI eManifest

1 Start New Shipment

Inside your ACI eManifest, click Create New Shipment.

• Shipment Type: Select Goods Astray.
• Cargo Control Number: Assign a unique CCN (Carrier Code + Number).

Selecting Goods Astray in ACI

2 Enter Details

Since there is no broker, the accuracy of your data is critical.

• Shipper: The original shipper of the goods.
• Consignee: The party receiving the goods back (often the same as the shipper).
• Commodity: Clear description (e.g., "Undeliverable Auto Parts").

3 Transmit

• Click Save.
• Return to the manifest and click Sync with CBSA.

At the Border

Proof of Error

Since you are asking to bring goods in without paying duty, the officer needs proof that this is a genuine error or refusal.

• Export Documents: Have the original paperwork showing the goods left Canada recently.
• Refusal Notice: If possible, an email or note on the Bill of Lading from the receiver stating "Refused/Undeliverable."
• U.S. Customs Docs: If U.S. Customs refused entry, present the rejection notice.

Note: You will not receive a Transaction Number (Release) message. The officer releases the goods manually at the booth based on your evidence.

⚠️ Found Astray (Post-Arrival)

If you discover extra goods after you have already crossed the border and parked at the warehouse:

1. Do not just deliver them. 2. Create an ACI Shipment for the goods immediately. 3. Transmit as Goods Astray. 4. Contact the local CBSA office to report the discrepancy.

📱

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