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BorderConnect

PARS Checking Software User Guide (CBSA Shipments)

Last updated 24 July 2026

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This article is part of the BorderConnect PARS Software Guide and the BorderConnect Software User Guide

BorderConnect's PARS Checking software uses CBSA's Release Notification System (RNS) to help carriers monitor release and status information for their carrier code, including PARS shipments.

BorderConnect’s PARS Checking guide states that the software uses CBSA’s RNS to help carriers monitor release and status information for their carrier code, including PARS shipments.[1] BorderConnect’s RNS-PARS product page describes the software as helping carriers track Canadian-bound shipments more reliably, view accepted and released shipments from one page, and automatically link RNS updates to ACI eManifests.[2]

PARS Checking helps carriers:

  • see whether PARS shipments are on file or released, even when the broker's office is closed;
  • verify that the PARS number and port entered by the broker match the carrier's PARS label and intended port of entry;
  • connect PARS status to ACI eManifests for BorderConnect ACI users;
  • receive notifications when PARS, in-bond, or related shipments are released by CBSA;
  • send status queries when a manual update is needed; and
  • print release notification reports for internal records.

Video tutorial

How to use BorderConnect RNS-PARS Tracking

Training video: How to use BorderConnect RNS-PARS Tracking.

BorderConnect’s PARS basic overview explains that the most commonly used PARS Checking feature is the Newest Shipments listing, which displays recent shipments accepted or released by CBSA.[3] The Newest Shipments page is accessed from the PARS Shipments menu and contains separate accepted and released shipment listings.[3]

Release Notification System

The Release Notification System (RNS) is a CBSA electronic messaging service for registered trade chain partners. CBSA’s RNS application form lists RNS options including Automatic Release Notification, Arrival Certification, Status Query, and Automatic Status.[4]

BorderConnect displays RNS information in a carrier-focused workflow so dispatchers can monitor PARS activity, status queries, automatic updates, and warehouse arrival messages from the same account. CBSA’s list of RNS software providers identifies firms in production that offer RNS software packages tested and registered with CBSA.[5]

Getting started

Before using RNS-based PARS Checking features, the carrier must be registered with CBSA for the required RNS service options. CBSA’s RNS application form requires applicants to identify the RNS options being requested and to provide applicant information, carrier codes or account security information, office or sub-location details where applicable, and communication method information.[4]

To get started:

  1. Confirm which RNS services your company needs, such as Automatic Release Notification, Status Query, Automatic Status, or Arrival Certification.
  2. Submit the required CBSA RNS application or work with BorderConnect support to prepare the registration.
  3. Complete any CBSA testing required for the selected service options.
  4. Confirm that BorderConnect has the correct carrier code and RNS setup for your account.

CBSA’s EDI application guidance states that clients and their service provider, if applicable, must submit the appropriate application form, and that a senior officer with legal signing authority should sign the application.[6] Processing and testing timelines can vary depending on the service options selected and whether the application is complete.

Checking PARS shipments

The accepted shipments list shows shipments that have been accepted by CBSA but have not yet been released or crossed. BorderConnect’s PARS basic overview explains that accepted shipments are useful for checking whether drivers are ready to cross the border.[3]

The released shipments list shows shipments that have been released by CBSA. From the listing, users can open shipment details to review broker information, service option, sublocation, container numbers, delivery instructions, internal comments, and status-query options.[3]

PARS Checking can also connect release information to BorderConnect ACI eManifests when the shipment was created in BorderConnect. BorderConnect’s RNS-PARS product page states that RNS shipment updates are automatically linked to ACI eManifests, helping users save time and track Canadian-bound shipments more reliably.[2]

Status queries

A status query asks CBSA for the current status of a particular shipment. BorderConnect’s status query guide explains that automatic RNS updates are sent only for PARS using the carrier’s own carrier code, while a manual status query can be useful for checking another carrier’s PARS, confirming that a PARS was cancelled or no longer on file, or refreshing status after possible downtime or mismatched information.[7]

How to send and check the results of status queries in BorderConnect

Training video: How to send and check the results of status queries in BorderConnect.

To send a status query, open the PARS Shipments menu and select Send New Status Query. BorderConnect’s guide advises entering the full cargo control number exactly as it appears on the PARS sticker or other document, with no spaces or special characters, then sending the request to CBSA.[7]

Results can be checked from the Status Query Search page under the PARS Shipments menu. BorderConnect’s guide states that CBSA commonly responds with a status such as not on file, accepted, or released, and that accepted or released responses may also appear in Newest Shipments, Shipment Search, or link to a BorderConnect ACI manifest where applicable.[7]

ACI integration

For carriers using BorderConnect ACI eManifest, PARS Checking can help confirm that the broker release request has matched to the ACI cargo report. BorderConnect’s ACI guide states that, after submitting an ACI eManifest, users can verify PARS by checking for “On File with Transaction Numbers,” where the broker’s entry number appears on the manifest.[8]

This connection helps dispatchers catch common problems before the driver arrives, such as an incorrect Cargo Control Number, wrong port, missing broker entry, or release request not yet on file. The PARS shipment type guide also notes that the PARS number must match across the broker release request and the ACI eManifest.[9]

WACM and warehouse arrival

Warehouse Arrival Certification Message (WACM) is an RNS-related workflow for reporting that cargo has arrived at a sufferance warehouse. CBSA Customs Notice 22-17 states that sufferance warehouse owners and operators must transmit a WACM when unreleased goods physically arrive at the warehouse to which they are destined.[10]

How to send Warehouse Arrival Certification Messages in BorderConnect

Training video: How to send Warehouse Arrival Certification Messages in BorderConnect.

CBSA states that a WACM must be transmitted for each cargo control number destined to the warehouse sub-location, and that WACM must be transmitted by registered RNS participants using EDI.[10] BorderConnect’s WACM product page describes its warehouse arrival software as allowing users to send electronic WACM messages to CBSA and view detailed information on those messages.[11]

Users who need WACM should review the WACM guide and make sure their RNS service options and CBSA testing are complete. BorderConnect’s WACM guide explains that users can send a new arrival message from the PARS Shipments menu by selecting Send New RNS Arrival.[12]

Virtual workshop

BorderConnect virtual workshop: RNS-PARS Software and RNS Arrivals (WACM)

Training video: BorderConnect virtual workshop: RNS-PARS Software and RNS Arrivals (WACM).

The virtual workshop provides a broader walkthrough of RNS-PARS software and RNS arrivals. Use it after reviewing the basic PARS Checking, status query, and WACM tutorials if you need a longer training session covering multiple RNS workflows.

PARS Checking instructions

Refer to the individual guide sections for detailed workflows:

See also

References

  1. ↑ BorderConnect Wiki: PARS Checking Software User Guide
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 BorderConnect: RNS-PARS Tracking for Canada
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 BorderConnect Wiki: PARS Shipments Basic Overview
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 CBSA: Release Notification System application form
  5. ↑ CBSA: Release Notification System software providers
  6. ↑ CBSA: How to apply for EDI
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 BorderConnect Wiki: Status Query Feature
  8. ↑ BorderConnect Wiki: Creating and Submitting a New ACI eManifest
  9. ↑ BorderConnect Wiki: PARS Shipment Type
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 CBSA Customs Notice 22-17: Mandatory electronic notification of cargo at sufferance warehouses
  11. ↑ BorderConnect: Warehouse Arrival Certification Message
  12. ↑ BorderConnect Wiki: WACM Guide
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