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What Cross-Border Supplies Do I Need And What Are PARS Barcode Labels (DIY Customs Consulting)

Last updated 31 July 2026

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This article is part of the Customs Compliance Guide

Crossing into Canada as a commercial highway carrier involves providing required documentation and barcode labels at the first Canadian port of arrival. For standard commercial loads, the driver will normally need an ACI eManifest lead sheet and a PARS barcode label with a scannable barcode.

An ACI eManifest lead sheet can be printed, faxed, or emailed directly to the driver using BorderConnect ACI eManifest software. PARS barcode labels can be ordered and shipped to the highway carrier from BorderPrint.

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What cross-border supplies do I need, and what are PARS barcode labels?

What Are PARS Barcode Labels?

PARS barcode labels from BorderPrint

Pre-Arrival Review System (PARS) is a Canadian shipment type for commercial goods to clear through CBSA on an ACI eManifest and through a customs broker. Most commercial goods are cleared as a PARS shipment unless they qualify for another release type or are exempt from PARS, depending on the scenario.

PARS numbers use a Cargo Control Number (CCN). The CCN normally consists of the carrier code followed by a unique number assigned by the carrier. CBSA guidance states that each shipment must be assigned a new number and that shipment numbers must not be repeated for a period of three years.[1]

To identify a PARS shipment to CBSA, the word "PARS" must appear on the bar-coded label, either above the barcode or under the human-readable number below the barcode.[1] If the word "PARS" is part of the Cargo Control Number, it must also be included in the actual barcode.[1]

The carrier places the PARS barcode label on the invoice or bill of lading and provides the number to the customs broker. The broker uses that number to file the release, and the carrier transmits the matching ACI eManifest before arrival at the border.

BorderPrint PARS barcode labels can be ordered with the carrier's company name, CBSA carrier code, and sequential Cargo Control Number range.

ACI eManifest Lead Sheets

An ACI eManifest lead sheet gives the driver and CBSA officer a clear reference for the ACI trip and shipment information. BorderConnect users can generate lead sheets from the ACI eManifest and print, fax, or email them to the driver.

CBSA's highway pre-arrival requirements explain the electronic reporting requirements for highway carriers and the data that must be transmitted before arrival.[2] Highway carriers transporting specified goods into Canada must transmit advance cargo and conveyance information before arrival unless an exemption applies.[2]

The driver should confirm that the ACI eManifest has been accepted before approaching the border. For standard highway shipments, the driver should also allow the required pre-arrival processing time before arriving.

Other Release Types and Forms

If a Canada-bound shipment is arriving under a release type other than PARS, other documentation may be required in addition to the ACI eManifest lead sheet. The carrier should confirm the required shipment type and documents with the importer, customs broker, shipper, or CBSA before dispatching.

A8A In-Bond Cargo Control Document
Used when arriving in Canada with an in-bond shipment, personal goods shipment, ATA Carnet temporary admission shipment, E29B temporary import bond, Orders in Council shipment, or other shipment requiring an A8A. CBSA publishes Form A8A(B) as the "In Bond - Cargo Control Document."[3] See also A8A In-Bond Cargo Control Document.
A8B In-Transit Manifest
Used when a Canadian bonded carrier brings commercial goods through Canada, such as a United States-to-United States in-transit movement through Canada. See In-Transit Manifests.
CSA Carrier Lead Sheet
Used when the highway carrier and driver are Customs Self-Assessment (CSA) or Free and Secure Trade (FAST) approved and the driver is crossing into Canada with a CSA load. CSA lead sheets can be ordered from BorderPrint.

For more information on shipment release types, see Shipment Types for ACE and ACI eManifest.

Documents to Give the Driver

Before the driver leaves for the border, the dispatcher should confirm that the driver has the documents needed for the shipment type. For a standard PARS shipment, this normally includes the ACI eManifest lead sheet, commercial invoice or bill of lading with the PARS barcode, and any supporting documents required by the broker or government agency.

The driver should also know the trip number, Cargo Control Number, port of arrival, and broker contact information. If the ACI eManifest or broker release is not ready, the driver should wait for confirmation before approaching CBSA.

BorderConnect Workflow

In BorderConnect ACI eManifest software, the carrier creates the ACI eManifest, adds the driver, truck, trailer, port, ETA, and shipment information, then transmits the manifest to CBSA. Once accepted, the user can generate the ACI lead sheet and send it to the driver.

The PARS barcode number used on the invoice or bill of lading should match the Cargo Control Number entered on the ACI shipment in BorderConnect. If the number does not match, the customs broker's release and the carrier's ACI eManifest may not link properly at the border.

Common Mistakes

  • Sending the driver with a PARS barcode but no accepted ACI eManifest.
  • Entering a Cargo Control Number in ACI that does not match the PARS barcode on the invoice.
  • Reusing a PARS barcode number within the three-year non-repeat period.
  • Sending the driver to the border before the broker has filed or confirmed the release.
  • Using PARS for a shipment that should be entered under another release type.
  • Forgetting supporting documents for in-bond, personal goods, CSA, FAST, or temporary import shipments.

Supplies and Downloads

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 CBSA - Cargo control and bar-coded labels
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 CBSA Memorandum D3-4-2 - Highway Pre-arrival and Reporting Requirements
  3. ↑ CBSA Form A8A(B) - In Bond - Cargo Control Document
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