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Customs Compliance Guide (CBP and CBSA): Difference between revisions

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{{note|This article is part of the [[Customs_Compliance_Guide_(CBP_and_CBSA)|Customs Compliance Guide]]|info}}
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<h2 style="margin-top: 0;">Overview</h2>


<h2 style="margin-top: 0;">Overview</h2>
<p>The BorderConnect <strong>Customs Compliance Guide</strong> is intended to provide basic knowledge to highway carriers who cross the border into Canada and the United States commercially and are looking for information on specific ports, registration procedures, and compliance programs.</p>
[[Image:ambassador-bridge2.jpg|300px|right|thumb|Ambassador Bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor]]
<p>The BorderConnect <strong>Customs Compliance Guide</strong> is intended to provide basic knowledge to highway carriers who cross the border into Canada and the United States commercially and are looking for information on specific ports and compliance programs.</p>


<p>For information on specific eManifest software, visit the:</p>
<p>For detailed information on specific eManifest software, visit the:</p>
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* [[ACE_Manifest_Software_User_Guide_(CBP)|ACE Manifest Software User Guide (U.S.)]]
* [[ACE_Manifest_Software_User_Guide_(CBP)|ACE Manifest Software User Guide (U.S.)]]
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<p>In order to cross commercially into the United States, the carrier will need to complete the following registration steps:</p>
<p>In order to cross commercially into the United States, the carrier will need to complete the following registration steps:</p>
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1. <strong>DOT/MC Number:</strong> Register with the Department of Transportation to obtain a US DOT or MC number.
1. <strong>DOT/MC Number:</strong> Register with the Department of Transportation (FMCSA) to obtain a US DOT or MC Operating Authority number.
2. <strong>SCAC Code:</strong> Register with the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA.org) to obtain a Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC).
2. <strong>SCAC Code:</strong> Register with the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA.org) to obtain a Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC).
3. <strong>Barcodes & ACE:</strong> Order PAPS barcode labels and begin processing ACE electronic manifests.
3. <strong>Barcodes & ACE:</strong> Order PAPS barcode labels and begin processing ACE electronic manifests.
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<h3>U.S. Compliance Documents</h3>
<h3>U.S. Compliance Documents & Links</h3>
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<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Crossing Into Canada (CBSA)</h2>
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Crossing Into Canada (CBSA & CARM)</h2>


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<p>In order to cross commercially into Canada, the carrier will need to complete the following registration steps:</p>
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<p>In order to cross commercially into Canada, highway carriers must comply with the <strong>CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM)</strong> initiative. The CBSA has retired the old paper applications (like Form BSF329-7). To legally cross, carriers must complete the following steps via the CARM Client Portal (CCP):</p>
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1. <strong>Provincial Authority:</strong> Register with the specific provincial transportation authority (e.g., CVOR in Ontario).
1. <strong>Business Number (BN9):</strong> You must obtain a 9-digit Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Business Number. Resident carriers can apply within CARM, but <strong>Non-Resident (U.S.) carriers</strong> must obtain this directly from the CRA prior to registering in CARM.
2. <strong>Carrier Code:</strong> Apply for a Bonded or Non-Bonded Carrier Code with the CBSA. This 4-character code identifies your company.
2. <strong>Register in the CARM Client Portal:</strong> Create a user profile (via GCKey or Sign-In Partner), link your business, and delegate authority to any required dispatchers or customs brokers.
3. <strong>Barcodes & ACI:</strong> Create PARS barcode labels and register to process ACI eManifests.
3. <strong>Apply for a Carrier Code:</strong> Inside the CCP, use the "Transporter Enrolment" feature to apply for your 4-character Highway Carrier Code. If you are applying as a <strong>Bonded Carrier</strong>, you must also post your financial security (Customs Bond) electronically through the portal.
4. <strong>Provincial Authority:</strong> Register with the specific provincial transportation authority where you operate (e.g., CVOR in Ontario).
5. <strong>Barcodes & ACI:</strong> Order PARS barcode labels and register to process ACI eManifests.
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<h3>Canadian Compliance Documents</h3>
<h3>Canadian Compliance Documents & Links</h3>
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<th style="width: 40%;">Document Name</th>
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<td>CVOR Information (MTO)</td>
<td>CARM Client Portal (CCP) Login</td>
<td>[http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/trucks/cvor/ MTO Website]</td>
<td>[https://ccp-pcc.cbsa-asfc.cloud-nuage.canada.ca/en/auth/login Access CARM]</td>
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<td>Commercial Vehicle Operators Registration</td>
<td>CRA Non-Resident BN9 Application</td>
<td>[http://www.forms.ssb.gov.on.ca/mbs/ssb/forms/ssbforms.nsf/GetFileAttach/023-SR-LC-017~1/$File/SR-LC-017.pdf CVOR Application]</td>
<td>[https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/registering-your-business/non-resident-registration.html CRA Non-Resident Registration]</td>
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<td>Application for Carrier Code</td>
<td>CARM User Guides (CBSA)</td>
<td>[http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/bsf329-7.pdf Form BSF329-7]</td>
<td>[https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/carm-gcra/start-passer-eng.html CBSA CARM Guides]</td>
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<td>Changing Bond Status for Existing Carriers</td>
<td>CVOR Information (MTO)</td>
<td>[http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/bsf722.pdf Form BSF722]</td>
<td>[http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/trucks/cvor/ MTO Website]</td>
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<p>Trusted Trader programs enhance border security while speeding up the processing of low-risk shipments.</p>
<p>Trusted Trader programs enhance border security while speeding up the processing of low-risk shipments.</p>



Latest revision as of 13:56, 20 February 2026

Customs Compliance Guide

A comprehensive resource for highway carriers crossing the border into Canada and the United States.

Overview

The BorderConnect Customs Compliance Guide is intended to provide basic knowledge to highway carriers who cross the border into Canada and the United States commercially and are looking for information on specific ports, registration procedures, and compliance programs.

For detailed information on specific eManifest software, visit the:

Need Help Getting Started?
For advanced information or help setting up specific customs compliance programs, visit BorderConnect Do-It-Yourself Customs Consulting, or contact BorderConnect toll-free at 1-800-596-5176.

Crossing Into the U.S. (CBP)

In order to cross commercially into the United States, the carrier will need to complete the following registration steps:

1. DOT/MC Number: Register with the Department of Transportation (FMCSA) to obtain a US DOT or MC Operating Authority number. 2. SCAC Code: Register with the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA.org) to obtain a Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC). 3. Barcodes & ACE: Order PAPS barcode labels and begin processing ACE electronic manifests.

Helpful CBP Resources

U.S. Compliance Documents & Links

Document Name Link
Application for SCAC Code NMFTA Application
Application for US DOT Number MCS-150C Form
Application for Motor Carrier Number OP-1 Form
Personal Shipment CBP Form 3299
Free of Duty CBP Form 7523
Returned American Products CBP Form 3311

Crossing Into Canada (CBSA & CARM)

In order to cross commercially into Canada, highway carriers must comply with the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) initiative. The CBSA has retired the old paper applications (like Form BSF329-7). To legally cross, carriers must complete the following steps via the CARM Client Portal (CCP):

1. Business Number (BN9): You must obtain a 9-digit Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Business Number. Resident carriers can apply within CARM, but Non-Resident (U.S.) carriers must obtain this directly from the CRA prior to registering in CARM. 2. Register in the CARM Client Portal: Create a user profile (via GCKey or Sign-In Partner), link your business, and delegate authority to any required dispatchers or customs brokers. 3. Apply for a Carrier Code: Inside the CCP, use the "Transporter Enrolment" feature to apply for your 4-character Highway Carrier Code. If you are applying as a Bonded Carrier, you must also post your financial security (Customs Bond) electronically through the portal. 4. Provincial Authority: Register with the specific provincial transportation authority where you operate (e.g., CVOR in Ontario). 5. Barcodes & ACI: Order PARS barcode labels and register to process ACI eManifests.

Helpful CBSA Resources

Canadian Compliance Documents & Links

Resource Name Link
CARM Client Portal (CCP) Login Access CARM
CRA Non-Resident BN9 Application CRA Non-Resident Registration
CARM User Guides (CBSA) CBSA CARM Guides
CVOR Information (MTO) MTO Website
Temporary Admission Permit Form E29B
Manual Correction Form (Post Arrival) Form BSF673

Trusted Trader Programs

Trusted Trader programs enhance border security while speeding up the processing of low-risk shipments.

Program Description & Resources
FAST
(Free and Secure Trade)
A joint initiative between CBP and CBSA. Carriers that are FAST approved for the U.S. are afforded special processing including dedicated lanes.

β€’ FAST Information Page
β€’ CBSA FAST Program
β€’ FAST Driver Application (E673)

CSA
(Customs Self Assessment)
Allows for the clearance of goods imported by a CSA Approved importer and transported by a CSA Approved carrier. Drivers must be registered with CDRP or FAST.

β€’ CSA Information Page
β€’ CBSA CSA Program

PIP
(Partners in Protection)
A cooperative program between private industry and the CBSA to enhance border and trade chain security. Required for FAST eligibility in Canada.

β€’ PIP Information Page
β€’ CBSA PIP Program

C-TPAT
(Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism)
A voluntary public-private sector supply chain security program led by CBP. Required for FAST eligibility in the U.S.

β€’ C-TPAT Information Page
β€’ CBP C-TPAT Program

Do-It-Yourself Customs Consulting Guide

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