🔖 This article is part of the Shipment Release Types Guide

PARS Shipment (Canada/ACI)

A guide to the Pre-arrival Review System (PARS), the standard clearance method for commercial goods entering Canada.

Type: Shipment Release Country: Canada (CBSA)

Overview

The Pre-arrival Review System (PARS) is the most common shipment type for goods entering Canada by highway. It allows Customs Brokers to submit release information to the CBSA for review before the goods arrive.

This "Pre-arrival" process speeds up border crossing significantly, often allowing the driver to be released in seconds at the primary inspection booth.

The 1-Hour Rule: In highway mode, the carrier's ACI eManifest data (Cargo + Conveyance) must be received and validated by CBSA at least one hour prior to the truck's arrival at the border.

🤝 How the PARS Process Works

PARS relies on a "handshake" between the Carrier's manifest and the Broker's entry. They link together using a unique number.

Carrier's Responsibility (ACI)	Broker's Responsibility (Entry)
1. Assign the PARS Number: Apply a PARS sticker (Cargo Control Number) to the paperwork. 2. File ACI eManifest: Transmit the cargo data to CBSA using that exact PARS number.	1. Receive Paperwork: Receive the invoice and PARS number from the carrier (via fax/email). 2. File Entry: Submit the Release Request to CBSA referencing that same PARS number.
The Match: When CBSA receives both the ACI (Carrier) and the Entry (Broker), the shipment is "Matched" and ready for arrival.

The PARS Number (CCN)

Formatting Rules

The PARS Number (technically the Cargo Control Number or CCN) must be unique and cannot be reused for 3 years.

Structure: Must start with your 4-character Carrier Code.
The "PARS" Word: You can include the word "PARS" in the barcode, but if you do, it must be typed into the eManifest exactly as it appears in the barcode.

Mismatch Risk: If your sticker says 1234PARS001 but you type 1234001 in the manifest, the broker and carrier will not link, causing delays.

Creating a PARS in BorderConnect

1 Start New Shipment

Inside your ACI eManifest, click Create New Shipment.

Shipment Type: Select PARS (or "Non-CSA").
Cargo Control Number: Enter the PARS number exactly as it appears on your sticker/paperwork.

2 Complete Details

Fill in the Shipper, Consignee, and Commodity as usual. Click Save.

3 Transmit & Verify

Click Sync with CBSA on the manifest page.
Monitor Status: Wait for the status On File with Transaction Number(s). This confirms the broker has done their part and the PARS is matched.

⚠️ Common Issues

Issue: "Document Not On File"
This means the Broker has filed their entry, but CBSA cannot find your ACI eManifest (Cargo) to match it to.
Fix: Ensure your ACI is transmitted and accepted. Check that the CCN you typed matches the CCN the broker used exactly.

Issue: "Transaction Not Found"
Your manifest is on file, but you don't see a release message.
Fix: The broker may not have filed yet, or they filed using a different CCN. Contact the broker to confirm the PARS number they used.

References