View source for ACI eManifest Software User Guide (CBSA)

{{note|This article is part of the [[ACI_eManifest_Software_User_Guide_(CBSA)|BorderConnect ACI eManifest Guide]]|info}}

[[Image:Aci-emanifest-logo.png|thumb|250px|right]]

'''Advance Commercial Information (ACI)''' is the [[Canada Border Services Agency - General Information|Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)]] eManifest / advance commercial reporting program. It provides customs officers with electronic pre-arrival information to support risk assessment and border processing.<ref name="eccrd_hiway">https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/eccrdhi-deccerout-eng.html</ref>

[https://www.borderconnect.com/aci-e-manifest/index.htm BorderConnect ACI eManifest software] provides a web-based solution to transmit ACI/eManifest data, with [[https://borderconnect.com/contact-us.htm 24/7 technical support]].

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== Quick Start (Highway Carriers) ==

Use this checklist to get compliant quickly:

# Confirm you have a valid CBSA '''carrier code''' and required registrations
# Set up driver/truck/trailer profiles in BorderConnect
# Create and transmit your ACI/eManifest early enough to meet the '''1-hour prior''' requirement
# Print a bar-coded '''ACI lead sheet''' for the driver to present at the First Port of Arrival (FPOA)
# If anything changes, correct the transmission '''as soon as you become aware'''

{| class="wikitable"
! Step !! What you do in BorderConnect !! Outcome
|-
| Registration/Setup || Complete CBSA setup; enable ACI in BorderConnect || You’re authorized to transmit ACI
|-
| Profiles || Create driver/truck/trailer profiles || Faster manifest creation
|-
| Transmit || Submit cargo + conveyance early || CBSA validation on file
|-
| Driver paperwork || Print lead sheet with bar code || CBSA can retrieve your trip
|-
| Corrections || Update ASAP if details change || Reduced delays/penalties
|}

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== ACI eManifest Requirements (Highway) ==

=== 1-hour prior notice rule ===
For highway carriers, CBSA requires that cargo and conveyance data be '''received and validated by CBSA at least one (1) hour prior to arrival''' at the Canadian port of entry.<ref name="req_by_client_type">https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/aci-manif-ipec/req-exig-eng.html</ref><ref name="highway_transmit_data">https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/aci-manif-ipec/hcc-ctr-eng.html</ref>

{{reminder|This is a compliance deadline (data must be validated at least 1 hour before arrival). It is not a requirement to “wait 1 hour after acceptance.”}}<ref name="highway_transmit_data" />

CBSA notes that incomplete/inaccurate data, or missing the required timeframe, can lead to '''delays''' and potential '''monetary penalties''' under AMPS.<ref name="highway_transmit_data" />

=== What CBSA expects on file (highway) ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Submission !! What it includes !! Must be validated?
|-
| Conveyance (Trip) || Driver/tractor/trailer and trip details (CRN) || Yes
|-
| Cargo (Shipments) || CCNs and shipment details (shipper/consignee/commodities) || Yes
|-
| Lead Sheet || Bar-coded reference for the officer at FPOA || Presented at border
|}

<ref name="eccrd_hiway" />

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== ACI Lead Sheet (Highway) ==

[[Image:Detailed_ACI_Driver_Copy.jpg|thumb|right|360px|ACI eManifest lead sheet printed from BorderConnect]]

At the First Port of Arrival (FPOA), the driver must present a '''lead sheet''' (sometimes called an '''eManifest lead sheet''' or '''portal lead sheet''') so CBSA can retrieve the ACI/eManifest data already on file.<ref name="d3_4_2">https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d3/d3-4-2-eng.html</ref><ref name="portal_user_guide">https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/portal-portail/guide-eng.html</ref>

=== Acceptable lead sheet options (CBSA) ===
CBSA describes the following lead sheet options:<ref name="portal_user_guide" /><ref name="d3_4_2" /><ref name="eccrd_hiway" />
* A '''bar-coded Conveyance Reference Number (CRN)''' (trip number), or
* A '''bar-coded Cargo Control Number (CCN)''' with the '''CRN handwritten''', or
* A '''handwritten CRN''' where an '''alternate bar-coded document''' associated with the shipment is also presented (for example, a bar-coded PARS document).

=== Best practices ===
* For non-PARS releases, CBSA recommends printing '''"eManifest Lead Sheet"''' or '''"Portal Lead Sheet"''' on the document presented as the lead sheet.<ref name="d3_4_2" />
* CBSA indicates the officer may stamp and return the lead sheet; carriers should retain the stamped lead sheet as part of their records/proof of reporting.<ref name="eccrd_hiway" /><ref name="d3_4_2" />

Lead sheets can be [[Generating_ACE_and_ACI_eManifest_Lead_Sheets_(CBP_and_CBSA)|generated from within BorderConnect]] either per-manifest or in batches ahead of time. Carriers may also create their own lead sheets if they meet CBSA’s barcode requirements above.<ref name="portal_user_guide" /><ref name="d3_4_2" />

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== Corrections and Changes ==

CBSA requirements and guidance for highway transmissions include:<ref name="highway_transmit_data" />
* Corrections must be sent '''as soon as you become aware of them'''
* Changes do '''not restart the 1-hour clock''' (only cancelling and re-submitting restarts it)
* If a driver is using a different port of entry than originally transmitted, update the ACI/eManifest data accordingly

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== AMPS Penalties (Examples) ==

CBSA may assess monetary penalties under the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) for non-compliance.<ref name="amps_overview">https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/trade-commerce/amps/menu-eng.html</ref><ref name="mpd_pdf">https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/trade-commerce/amps/mpd-dmi-eng.pdf</ref>

Example contravention:
* '''C378''' – failure to submit prescribed pre-load/pre-arrival information relating to cargo and/or conveyance (penalty amounts escalate by occurrence).<ref name="c378">https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/trade-commerce/amps/contraventions-infractions/c378-eng.html</ref>

{{note|CBSA penalty structure and related contraventions are detailed in the AMPS overview and the Master Penalty Document.|info}}<ref name="amps_overview" /><ref name="mpd_pdf" />

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== Program Rollout and Enforcement (Highway) ==

ACI/eManifest for highway carriers entered an '''informed compliance period''' beginning '''November 1, 2012'''.<ref name="cscb_checklist">https://cscb.ca/sites/default/files/legacy/uploads/Preparing_for_eMan_Chklist_for_Hwy.pdf</ref><ref name="cbsa_comm_working_group_archive">https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/agency-agence/consult/manif/comm-eng.html</ref>

CBSA guidance and penalty references identify a '''grace/zero-rated period from July 10, 2015 to January 10, 2016''' for certain eManifest-related contraventions, after which monetary penalty levels apply.<ref name="mpd_pdf" /><ref name="amps_overview" />

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== Getting Started ==

=== CBSA registration / identifiers (highway carriers) ===
Before transmitting ACI/eManifest, highway carriers must have a valid CBSA-issued '''carrier code''' and complete the required setup steps (for example via CBSA registration processes and/or portal setup, depending on transmission method).<ref name="emanifest_portal_main">https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/portal-portail-eng.html</ref><ref name="bonded_highway_carrier">https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/carrier-transporteur/hc-tr-eng.html</ref><ref name="carrier_code_guidelines">https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/carrier-transporteur/hccap-ddctr-eng.html</ref>

If you have not already done so, the first step is to register for ACI with CBSA. Even if you are already set up for ACI with CBSA's eManifest Portal or another software provider, you will need a separate registration in order to use ACI through BorderConnect. You can generate the registration forms at any time when logged into your BorderConnect account under Account and Company. You can also contact BorderConnect support to have the forms emailed or faxed to you.

=== Set up profiles in BorderConnect ===
Next, create profiles for drivers, trucks, and trailers that may cross the border. These profiles populate mandatory manifest fields and reduce repeated data entry. If you also use BorderConnect ACE, these profiles are shared between ACE and ACI.

* [[Creating and Maintaining Driver Profiles (ACE and ACI eManifest)|Driver profiles]]
* [[Creating and Maintaining Passenger Profiles (ACE and ACI eManifest)|Passenger profiles]]
* [[Creating and Maintaining Truck Profiles (ACE and ACI eManifest)|Truck profiles]]
* [[Creating and Maintaining Trailer Profiles (ACE and ACI eManifest)|Trailer profiles]]

Once you are registered for ACI with BorderConnect and your profiles are set up, you are ready to begin creating and submitting eManifests to CBSA.

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== ACI eManifest Instructions ==

Use the articles below for step-by-step instructions:

* [[Creating_and_Submitting_a_New_ACI_eManifest_(ACI_eManifest)|Creating and submitting a new ACI eManifest]]
* [[Generating_ACE_and_ACI_eManifest_Lead_Sheets_(CBP_and_CBSA)|Generating ACI Lead Sheets]]
* [[Correcting_Rejected_ACI_eManifests_(ACI_eManifest)|Correcting rejected ACI eManifests]]
* [[Updating_or_Correcting_an_Accepted_ACI_eManifest_(ACI_eManifest)|Updating or correcting an accepted manifest]]
* [[ACI_eManifest_Status_Guide_(ACI_eManifest)|ACI eManifest Status Guide]]
* [[ACI_eManifest_Compliance_Guide_(ACI_eManifest)|ACI eManifest Compliance Guide]]
* [[E-Manifest Tracking Feature (ACE and ACI eManifest)|Tracking a particular manifest]]
* [[Shipment_Types_For_ACE_and_ACI_eManifest|Manifesting different types of shipments]]
* [[Preparing_Partial_ACI_eManifests_in_Two_Carrier_Scenarios_(ACI_eManifest)|Preparing an ACI eManifest in two-carrier scenarios]]
* [[Declaring_an_Empty_ACI_eManifest_(ACI_eManifest)|Creating an empty ACI eManifest]]
* [[Meat_Shipment_CFIA_Inspection_Status_Feature_(CBSA)|Checking CFIA inspection status for meat shipments]]
<!--* [[Updating or Correcting an Arrived ACI eManifest|Updating a manifest after arrival]]-->

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== ACI eManifest Tutorials ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
|{{#ev:youtube|rWoJDSYsv28|360|left|How to create an ACI eManifest in BorderConnect.}}
|{{#ev:youtube|VKdT2igww3M|360|left|How to create an empty ACI in BorderConnect.}}
|{{#ev:youtube|xlJyjjlhZBQ|360|left|How to create an ACI In-Bond in BorderConnect.}}
|-
|{{#ev:youtube|gaeX5kPJJ40|360|left|How to change and correct an ACI in BorderConnect.}}
|{{#ev:youtube|dRaM-NMlIVo|360|left|How to create an A49 Automotive Release in BorderConnect.}}
|{{#ev:youtube|4qN17rUJXrg|360|left|How to create a CSA shipment in BorderConnect.}}
|-
|{{#ev:youtube|zyMyAJoWSY8|360|left|How to create IIT shipments and Cargo Exemptions for ACI in BorderConnect.}}
|{{#ev:youtube|HC8K-fMOE6I|360|left|How to create an Orders In Council shipment in ACI using BorderConnect.}}
|{{#ev:youtube|1bdxb3qr-wE|360|left|How to create a referenced shipment in ACI using BorderConnect.}}
|}

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== Need Help? ==
If you have questions about ACI setup, timing rules, rejections, or lead sheets, please [[https://www.borderconnect.com/contact-us.htm contact BorderConnect support]].

== References ==
<references />

[[Category:ACI eManifest Guide]]