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Warehouse Arrival Certification Message (WACM) Guide (CBSA): Difference between revisions

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{{note|This article is part of the [[PARS_Checking_Software_User_Guide_(CBSA_Shipments)|BorderConnect PARS Software Guide]]|info}}
{{note|This article is part of the [[PARS_Checking_Software_User_Guide_(CBSA_Shipments)|BorderConnect PARS Software Guide]]|info}}


{{#ev:youtube|J6ny2lShlqU|960|center|Sending Warehouse Arrival Certification Messages (WACM).}}
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[[File:Send-wacm-rns-arrival-menu.jpg|thumb|right|400px|Selecting '''Send RNS Arrival''' from the PARS Shipments menu]]This guide offers instructions on using BorderConnect's '''Warehouse Arrival Certification Message (WACM)''' feature using the [https://www.borderconnect.com/pars-check/index.htm Release Notification System (RNS)]. This guide assumes that you have an active software subscription and that your RNS registration is complete. If you are not yet registered, please refer to the registration instructions below under 'Getting Started'.
<div class="bc-article-hero">
<h1>Sending Warehouse Arrival Certification Messages (WACM)</h1>
<p>Instructions for sufferance warehouse operators to report cargo arrivals to CBSA via RNS.</p>
<div class="bc-article-meta">
<span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="fas fa-warehouse"></i> Type: Compliance Reporting</span>
<span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="fas fa-flag-canada"></i> System: CBSA RNS</span>
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Warehouse Arrival Certification Message (WACM) is a notification that is sent by a Canadian Sufferance Warehouse when unreleased inland cargo arrives at their facility. WACM became mandatory on May 6, 2015, under an amendment to the Customs Sufferance Warehouse Regulations. This electronic requirement replaced the previous method of manual arrivals and the transfer of liability process at inland destinations.<ref>CBSA - Warehouse Arrival Certification Message (WACM) Questions and Answers https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/codes/wacm-eng.html</ref>
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Warehouse operators or owners who receive unreleased goods into their sufferance warehouses must transmit WACM. Warehouse operators must be registered participants in CBSA's Release Notification System (RNS) using an Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). Operators may also use a third-party service provider to transmit their arrival messages, such as BorderConnect.<ref>Customs Notice 17-28 https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/cn-ad/cn17-28-eng.html</ref>
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On August 14, 2020, Canada Border Services Agency announced changes to address eManifest house bill issues with Customs Notice 20-28. These changes, starting November 1, 2020 include changes to all Warehouse Arrival Certification Messages (WACM). Starting on this date all Warehouse Arrival Certification Messages must include a warehouse sub-location code as part of their electronic submission to CBSA.<ref>Customs Notice 20-28 https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/cn-ad/cn20-28-eng.html</ref>
<h2 style="margin-top: 0;">Overview</h2>
<p>This guide provides instructions for using BorderConnect to transmit <strong>Warehouse Arrival Certification Messages (WACM)</strong> through the CBSA <strong>Release Notification System (RNS)</strong>.</p>


== Getting Started ==
<p>A <strong>Warehouse Arrival Certification Message (WACM)</strong> is an electronic arrival message sent by a sufferance warehouse operator to CBSA when <strong>unreleased cargo physically arrives</strong> at the sufferance warehouse, and liability transfers from the carrier to the warehouse.<ref>CBSA Memorandum D3-4-2 – Highway pre-arrival and reporting requirements (Definitions – WACM). https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d3/d3-4-2-eng.html</ref></p>


If you have not already done so, the easiest way to start transmitting WACM to CBSA using BorderConnect RNS is to contact BorderConnect. Or if you haven't registered to use RNS with BorderConnect and you'd like to add this feature yourself, navigate to the 'Account' menu option on the top right and then click 'Company Details'. Where your warehouse sublocation code is listed, click 'RNS Registration' and print the document. If your sublocation code isn't listed, you can use the New Sub Location button to add it, or contact BorderConnect for assistance. A person with signing authority must then print and sign the document and send it back to BorderConnect by fax or email. We will then send to CBSA on your behalf and in approximately 1-2 weeks your RNS subscription will be active.
<div class="bc-did-you-know" style="margin-top: 15px;">
<strong>Prerequisite:</strong> This guide assumes you have an active subscription and your RNS/WACM onboarding with CBSA is complete.
</div>


== Sending a WACM to CBSA ==
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'''Sending an Arrival Message to CBSA'''
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Regulatory Background</h2>


Once your Warehouse RNS application has been approved by CBSA, you can start sending Warehouse Arrival Certification Messages (WACM) using RNS. When unreleased shipments arrive at your warehouse, you will need to send an arrival message for each cargo control number corresponding to each of the shipments.
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<p>Sufferance warehouse operators are required to transmit a WACM when unreleased goods physically arrive at the warehouse to which they are destined (Customs Sufferance Warehouse Regulations, section 14).<ref>CBSA Customs Notice 22-17 – Mandatory electronic notification of cargo at sufferance warehouses. https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/cn-ad/cn22-17-eng.html</ref></p>


To send an arrival message, log in to BorderConnect and navigate to the menu option 'PARS Shipments' and select the option 'Send New RNS Arrival'. This will bring you to the 'Send RNS Arrival Request for Canadian Shipment' page.
<p>CBSA introduced the mandatory electronic arrival requirement via regulatory amendments in May 2015.<ref>Canada Gazette – Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Made Under the Customs Act (May 6, 2015). https://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2015/2015-05-06/html/sor-dors90-eng.html</ref></p>


<h3>Who Must Transmit?</h3>
<p>A WACM must be transmitted by registered participants in CBSA’s <strong>Release Notification System (RNS)</strong> using <strong>Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)</strong>. Clients and/or their authorized third-party service providers must register and undergo system testing with CBSA’s <strong>Technical Commercial Client Unit (TCCU)</strong>.<ref>CBSA Customs Notice 22-17 – Mandatory electronic notification of cargo at sufferance warehouses (RNS/EDI/TCCU testing). https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/cn-ad/cn22-17-eng.html</ref></p>
</div>


[[File:Send-wacm-rns-arrival.png|800px]]
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">When to Send WACM</h2>


<div class="bc-card">
<p>CBSA guidance dictates specific rules based on consolidation:</p>


Once on the 'Send RNS Arrival Request for Canadian Shipment' page, enter the Cargo Control Number, your Warehouse Sublocation Code, and the Arrival Date and Arrival Time, then send 'Send Arrival Request to CBSA' and in approximately 5-10 minutes CBSA will provide a response to your WACM on BorderConnect's RNS Arrival Search page.
<div class="bc-cleanlist">
* <strong>Consolidated Shipments:</strong> A WACM is required only on the <strong>primary (consolidated) CCN</strong> (including a consolidated electronic house bill CCN). CBSA will cascade arrival to lower-level electronic house bills destined to the same warehouse.
* <strong>Non-Consolidated Shipments:</strong> A WACM is required on <strong>each non-consolidated CCN</strong>.
* <strong>Carrier Code Agnostic:</strong> A WACM must be transmitted for cargo arriving at a sufferance warehouse <strong>regardless of the carrier code on the CCN</strong>.<ref>CBSA Customs Notice 22-17 – Mandatory electronic notification of cargo at sufferance warehouses (rules + examples). https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/cn-ad/cn22-17-eng.html</ref>
</div>
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== WACM Response Messages ==
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Getting Started (Registration)</h2>


The table below outlines the most common responses to an arrival message.
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<p>If you have not already done so, the easiest way to start transmitting WACM to CBSA using BorderConnect RNS is to contact BorderConnect Support. However, you can also initiate registration yourself:</p>


<div class="bc-cleanlist">
1. Navigate to <strong>Account</strong> (top right) → <strong>Company Details</strong>.
2. Locate your warehouse <strong>Sub-location Code</strong>.
3. Click <strong>RNS Registration</strong> and print the document. (If your sub-location code isn't listed, use the <strong>New Sub Location</strong> button to add it).
4. Have a person with signing authority sign the document and return it to BorderConnect (fax/email).
5. BorderConnect submits the registration details required for TCCU onboarding.
</div>
</div>


{| class="wikitable"
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Sending a WACM to CBSA</h2>
|-
! WACM Response
! Meaning
! Action To Be Taken
|-
| style="background: #bcf5bc;"| '''RELEASED'''
| The cargo control number has successfully arrived, and is now in released status.
| No further action is required. The goods can now exit the warehouse and are no longer considered in-bond.
|-
| style="background: #bcf5bc;"| '''ARRIVED*'''
| CBSA has accepted your WACM but there is no entry on file by a customs broker yet.
| No further action is required. The goods are not released yet, but you have met your arrival reporting requirement.
|-
| style="background: #e6e600;"| '''HELD FOR EXAM''' "Examination Required"
| Your WACM is successfully accepted, but an examination for the shipment is required.
| You should contact CBSA to schedule an examination. Please note it is also possible to receive a Held notice at a later date. Held notices are not restricted to WACM responses.
|-
| style="background: #bcf5bc;"| '''ERROR''' "Cannot arrive, goods already released and acquitted"
| The WACM was rejected, but the cargo control number is already released.
| No further action is required. The cargo control number has attained released status, which means it is already arrived. The goods can now exit the warehouse and are no longer considered in-bond.
|-
| style="background: #ff8080;"| '''ERROR''' "Arrival office does not match release office"
| The WACM was rejected because the port on the WACM doesn't match the port the customs broker used on their entry.
| First verify that your WACM used the correct sublocation code for the warehouse you are trying to arrive the goods at. If this was incorrect, send a new arrival message for the cargo control number with the correct sublocation code. If your WACM was correct, contact the customs broker who filed the entry and ask them to revise the port they are using.
|-
| style="background: #bcf5bc;"| '''ERROR''' "Request ID already in arrived status"
| The WACM was rejected, but the cargo control number is already in arrived status.
| No further action is required. The goods are not released yet, but you have met your arrival reporting requirement.
|-
|-
| style="background: #bcf5bc;"| '''ERROR''' "Arrival is already on file with matching Port and Warehouse"
| The WACM was rejected, but the cargo control number is already in arrived status with the corresponding port and warehouse.
| No further action is required. The arrival is already on file with the same port and warehouse.
|-
| style="background: #bcf5bc;"| '''ERROR''' "Cannot arrive CCN if acquitted"
| The WACM was rejected, but the cargo control number is already released.
| No further action is required. The cargo control number has attained released status, which means it is already arrived. The goods can now exit the warehouse and are no longer considered in-bond.
|-
| style="background: #e6e600;"| '''ERROR''' "Related conveyance must be arrived and in good final decision status"
| This shipment is currently linked to an ACI eManifest that is still in a pre-arrival state and not yet in Canada.
| Make sure you are not sending the WACM before the shipment physically arrives at your bonded warehouse. If you get this response when the goods are already there, you should contact the carrier. The carrier will need to update their eManifest to reflect their arrival in Canada. You can then resend the WACM.
|-
| style="background: #e6e600;"| '''ERROR''' "Related conveyance must be authorized to move and arrive"
| Same as above
| Same as above
|-
| style="background: #ff8080;"| '''ERROR''' "Arrival work location code must be the same as the port of destination on House Bill"
| The WACM was rejected because the port on the WACM doesn't match the port the freight forwarder used on their House Bill.
| First verify that your WACM used the correct sublocation code for the warehouse you are trying to arrive the goods at. If this was incorrect, send a new arrival message for the cargo control number with the correct sublocation code. If your WACM was correct, contact the freight forwarder and ask them to revise the port they are using on the House Bill.
|}


{| class="wikitable"
<div class="bc-card">
|-
<p>Once your warehouse is registered, you can begin sending arrival messages when unreleased shipments physically arrive.</p>
| style="background: #bcf5bc;"| '''No Further Action Required'''
| style="background: #e6e600;"| '''Minor Action Required'''
| style="background: #ff8080;"| '''Action Needs To Be Taken'''
|-
|}


== Warehouse Arrival Search Page ==
[[File:Send-wacm-rns-arrival-menu.jpg|thumb|center|800px|Selecting Send RNS Arrival from the PARS Shipments menu]]


[[File:Wacm-search-page.png|800px]]
<div class="bc-cleanlist">
1. Log in to BorderConnect.
2. Go to <strong>PARS Shipments</strong>.
3. Select <strong>Send New RNS Arrival</strong>.
</div>


== References ==
[[File:Send-wacm-rns-arrival.png|800px|thumb|center|Sending an RNS Arrival Request (WACM)]]
 
<p>Enter the following details:</p>
<div class="bc-cleanlist">
* <strong>Cargo Control Number (CCN):</strong> The unique identifier for the cargo.
* <strong>Warehouse Sub-location Code:</strong> The code of the facility where goods arrived.
* <strong>Arrival Date and Time:</strong> The actual time of physical arrival.
</div>
 
<p>Click <strong>Send Arrival Request to CBSA</strong>. Response timing can vary.</p>
</div>
 
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Understanding Responses</h2>
 
<div class="bc-card">
<p>BorderConnect displays CBSA responses to help you identify next steps. <em>Note: This table is operational guidance, not an official CBSA meaning table.</em></p>
 
<table class="wikitable" style="width: 100%;">
<tr>
<th style="width: 25%;">Response</th>
<th>Meaning (Typical)</th>
<th>Action To Be Taken</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #dff0d8;"><strong>RELEASED</strong></td>
<td>Arrival accepted; transaction is released.</td>
<td>No further action. Follow internal release controls.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #dff0d8;"><strong>ARRIVED*</strong></td>
<td>Arrival accepted; release not yet on file.</td>
<td>No further action for arrival. Monitor for release.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #fcf8e3;"><strong>HELD FOR EXAM</strong></td>
<td>Shipment referred for examination.</td>
<td>Follow CBSA instructions and local exam process.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #dff0d8;"><strong>ERROR (Already Released)</strong></td>
<td>Rejected because CCN is already in a terminal state.</td>
<td>Typically no action; validate status in records.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #f2dede;"><strong>ERROR (Office Mismatch)</strong></td>
<td>Arrival office does not match release office on trade doc.</td>
<td>Validate your sub-location. If correct, contact filing party to correct destination.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: #fcf8e3;"><strong>ERROR (Conveyance Not Arrived)</strong></td>
<td>Linked conveyance/cargo is not "Arrived" in CBSA system.</td>
<td>Do not send WACM before physical arrival. Coordinate with carrier to update arrival reporting.<ref>CBSA – FAQ: Release Time Frames (arrival processing model; release eligibility after arrived status). https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/rtf-dm-eng.html</ref></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
 
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">WACM Search & History</h2>
 
<div class="bc-card">
[[File:Wacm-search-page.png|800px|thumb|center|Searching WACM history]]
<p>Use the WACM search page to confirm whether CBSA accepted your arrival, check the latest status, or investigate error messages indicating mismatches.</p>
</div>
 
{{Promo
| icon = 🏭
| text = '''Operating a Sufferance Warehouse?''' Easily report WACM arrivals and releases to CBSA with BorderConnect Warehouse Software.
| link = https://www.borderconnect.com/warehouse-arrivals/index.htm
| button = View Features
}}
 
<div class="bc-references">
<references/>
<references/>
</div>
</div>


[[Category:PARS Software Guide]]
[[Category:PARS Software Guide]]

Latest revision as of 12:55, 11 February 2026

🔖 This article is part of the BorderConnect PARS Software Guide

Sending Warehouse Arrival Certification Messages (WACM)

Instructions for sufferance warehouse operators to report cargo arrivals to CBSA via RNS.

Type: Compliance Reporting System: CBSA RNS

Overview

This guide provides instructions for using BorderConnect to transmit Warehouse Arrival Certification Messages (WACM) through the CBSA Release Notification System (RNS).

A Warehouse Arrival Certification Message (WACM) is an electronic arrival message sent by a sufferance warehouse operator to CBSA when unreleased cargo physically arrives at the sufferance warehouse, and liability transfers from the carrier to the warehouse.[1]

Prerequisite: This guide assumes you have an active subscription and your RNS/WACM onboarding with CBSA is complete.

Regulatory Background

Sufferance warehouse operators are required to transmit a WACM when unreleased goods physically arrive at the warehouse to which they are destined (Customs Sufferance Warehouse Regulations, section 14).[2]

CBSA introduced the mandatory electronic arrival requirement via regulatory amendments in May 2015.[3]

Who Must Transmit?

A WACM must be transmitted by registered participants in CBSA’s Release Notification System (RNS) using Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). Clients and/or their authorized third-party service providers must register and undergo system testing with CBSA’s Technical Commercial Client Unit (TCCU).[4]

When to Send WACM

CBSA guidance dictates specific rules based on consolidation:

  • Consolidated Shipments: A WACM is required only on the primary (consolidated) CCN (including a consolidated electronic house bill CCN). CBSA will cascade arrival to lower-level electronic house bills destined to the same warehouse.
  • Non-Consolidated Shipments: A WACM is required on each non-consolidated CCN.
  • Carrier Code Agnostic: A WACM must be transmitted for cargo arriving at a sufferance warehouse regardless of the carrier code on the CCN.[5]

Getting Started (Registration)

If you have not already done so, the easiest way to start transmitting WACM to CBSA using BorderConnect RNS is to contact BorderConnect Support. However, you can also initiate registration yourself:

1. Navigate to Account (top right) → Company Details. 2. Locate your warehouse Sub-location Code. 3. Click RNS Registration and print the document. (If your sub-location code isn't listed, use the New Sub Location button to add it). 4. Have a person with signing authority sign the document and return it to BorderConnect (fax/email). 5. BorderConnect submits the registration details required for TCCU onboarding.

Sending a WACM to CBSA

Once your warehouse is registered, you can begin sending arrival messages when unreleased shipments physically arrive.

Selecting Send RNS Arrival from the PARS Shipments menu

1. Log in to BorderConnect. 2. Go to PARS Shipments. 3. Select Send New RNS Arrival.

Sending an RNS Arrival Request (WACM)

Enter the following details:

  • Cargo Control Number (CCN): The unique identifier for the cargo.
  • Warehouse Sub-location Code: The code of the facility where goods arrived.
  • Arrival Date and Time: The actual time of physical arrival.

Click Send Arrival Request to CBSA. Response timing can vary.

Understanding Responses

BorderConnect displays CBSA responses to help you identify next steps. Note: This table is operational guidance, not an official CBSA meaning table.

Response Meaning (Typical) Action To Be Taken
RELEASED Arrival accepted; transaction is released. No further action. Follow internal release controls.
ARRIVED* Arrival accepted; release not yet on file. No further action for arrival. Monitor for release.
HELD FOR EXAM Shipment referred for examination. Follow CBSA instructions and local exam process.
ERROR (Already Released) Rejected because CCN is already in a terminal state. Typically no action; validate status in records.
ERROR (Office Mismatch) Arrival office does not match release office on trade doc. Validate your sub-location. If correct, contact filing party to correct destination.
ERROR (Conveyance Not Arrived) Linked conveyance/cargo is not "Arrived" in CBSA system. Do not send WACM before physical arrival. Coordinate with carrier to update arrival reporting.[6]

WACM Search & History

Searching WACM history

Use the WACM search page to confirm whether CBSA accepted your arrival, check the latest status, or investigate error messages indicating mismatches.


🏭
Operating a Sufferance Warehouse? Easily report WACM arrivals and releases to CBSA with BorderConnect Warehouse Software.

View Features


  1. ↑ CBSA Memorandum D3-4-2 – Highway pre-arrival and reporting requirements (Definitions – WACM). https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d3/d3-4-2-eng.html
  2. ↑ CBSA Customs Notice 22-17 – Mandatory electronic notification of cargo at sufferance warehouses. https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/cn-ad/cn22-17-eng.html
  3. ↑ Canada Gazette – Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Made Under the Customs Act (May 6, 2015). https://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2015/2015-05-06/html/sor-dors90-eng.html
  4. ↑ CBSA Customs Notice 22-17 – Mandatory electronic notification of cargo at sufferance warehouses (RNS/EDI/TCCU testing). https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/cn-ad/cn22-17-eng.html
  5. ↑ CBSA Customs Notice 22-17 – Mandatory electronic notification of cargo at sufferance warehouses (rules + examples). https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/cn-ad/cn22-17-eng.html
  6. ↑ CBSA – FAQ: Release Time Frames (arrival processing model; release eligibility after arrived status). https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/rtf-dm-eng.html
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