Personal Goods (CBSA Shipment Type)
Personal Goods Explained (ACI eManifest)
The definitive guide to declaring casual, non-commercial shipments and settlers' effects for highway carriers entering Canada.
What are Personal Goods?
Personal Goods—also referred to by CBSA as casual goods—are goods imported into Canada strictly for personal use. They are specifically defined as goods other than commercial goods. This means they cannot be for sale, resale, or any commercial, industrial, occupational, or institutional purpose.
For highway carriers using the ACI eManifest system, Personal Goods shipments are reported as a non-CSA highway cargo document. Even though no customs broker is required to clear these goods, the carrier must still transmit the shipment data to CBSA within the standard advance reporting timeframes.
Important Distinction:
If goods are imported for a business, home office, or any revenue-generating purpose, they do not qualify as Personal Goods. They must be reported as a standard commercial shipment (e.g., PARS) and cleared by a customs broker.
Qualification Requirements
To qualify as a Personal (Casual) Goods shipment, the load must meet all of the following criteria:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Imported exclusively for personal use by the individual. |
| Commercial Use | Not for sale, resale, distribution, or business use of any kind. |
| Importer | Typically an individual traveller, settler, or returning resident (not a corporate entity). |
| Revenue | No income-generating or occupational activity attached to the goods. |
Accounting and Documentation at the Border
Unlike commercial freight that uses a PARS barcode, Personal Goods require specific CBSA accounting documents to be presented by the driver (or the importer meeting the truck) at the Primary Inspection Line (PIL).
1. Settlers' Effects / Personal Effects
For individuals moving to Canada (new settlers, returning residents, or seasonal residents), their household goods and personal effects must be accounted for using:
- Form BSF186 (formerly B4): Personal Effects Accounting Document.
- Form BSF186A (formerly B4A): Continuation Sheet for "Goods to Follow".
2. Casual (Non-Commercial) Importations
For individuals importing everyday non-commercial items (like a piece of furniture purchased in the US for personal use), CBSA uses:
- Form BSF715 / BSF715-1 (formerly B15): Casual Goods Accounting Document.
3. Cargo Control Documentation
Where a paper cargo control document is required by the officer to stamp the release, the carrier must provide a Form A8A(B) (Cargo Control Document) featuring the Cargo Control Number (CCN).
Declaring in BorderConnect ACI eManifest
Personal Goods transported by a commercial highway carrier must be reported on an ACI eManifest. BorderConnect simplifies this process by allowing you to bypass the PARS broker requirement.
Steps to Report
- Create a new ACI Shipment.
- Select Personal Goods as the Shipment Type.
- Ensure the shipment is attached to your trip and transmit it to CBSA.
Required Shipment Data
Although it is not a PARS shipment, standard ACI cargo data is strictly required by CBSA:
| Required Element | Notes |
|---|---|
| Cargo Control Number (CCN) | A unique CCN (Carrier Code + Unique sequence) must be provided. |
| Shipper | The individual or party shipping the goods from the US. |
| Consignee | The individual importing the goods into Canada. |
| Description of Goods | A clear, plain-language description (e.g., "Household Goods", "Used Sofa", "Personal Effects"). Do not use vague terms like "Freight". |
Summary & Compliance Warnings
| Topic | Key Point |
|---|---|
| Goods Type | Personal / casual (strictly non-commercial). |
| ACI eManifest Required? | Yes. Must be declared prior to arrival. |
| Customs Broker Involved? | No. Cleared directly with CBSA. |
| Common Forms | BSF186 (Moving), BSF715 (Casual), A8A. |
Mandatory 1-Hour Advance Notice:
To comply with ACI eManifest requirements, highway carriers must ensure that electronic cargo and conveyance data is transmitted and accepted by CBSA at least one (1) hour prior to arrival at the border. For mixed loads, any PARS shipments on the same trailer must also meet this standard timing.