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|title=ACI eManifest Software User Guide (CBSA) {{!}} BorderConnect Support Wiki
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|keywords=ACI eManifest, CBSA eManifest software, Canada customs, AMPS penalties, 1-hour rule CBSA, conveyance reference number CRN, ACI lead sheet, cross-border trucking, BorderConnect guide
|description=The complete user guide for BorderConnect's ACI eManifest software. Learn how to submit CBSA manifests, follow the 1-hour rule, print lead sheets, and avoid AMPS penalties.
}}
{{note|This article is part of the [[ACI_eManifest_Software_User_Guide_(CBSA)|BorderConnect ACI eManifest Guide]]|info}}
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== Introduction ==
<h1>ACI eManifest</h1>
<p>A comprehensive guide to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) advance commercial reporting program for highway carriers.</p>
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<span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="fas fa-flag"></i> Country: Canada (CBSA)</span>
<span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="far fa-clock"></i> Time: 15 Minutes</span>
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ACI '''(Advance Commercial Information)''' is CBSA's eManifest program. It is intended to provide Customs officers with electronic pre-arrival information.<ref name="multiple">https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/eccrdhi-deccerout-eng.html</ref> For highway carriers, it involves filing an electronic manifest at least one hour before the driver arrives at the border.
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ACI eManifest entered a period of informed compliance on November 1, 2012, in which highway carriers were being encouraged to participate in the program. CBSA also announced at that time, that they will provide at least 45 days advance notice when it is confirmed.<ref>https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/aci-manif-ipec/req-exig-eng.html#tab3</ref>


On May 6, 2015 Canada Border Services Agency announced a mandatory transition timeline for highway carriers to comply with ACI eManifest. On July 10, 2015 carriers who do not comply with eManifest requirements may be issued zero-rated penalties (non-monetary) under the CBSA’s Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS). And beginning January 10, 2016 carriers who do not comply with eManifest requirements may be issued monetary AMPS penalties.<ref>https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d22/d22-1-1-eng.html</ref>
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[https://www.borderconnect.com/aci-e-manifest/index.htm BorderConnect ACI eManifest software] offers an extremely user-friendly web-based solution to comply with eManifest requirements, complete with [https://borderconnect.com/contact-us.htm 24/7 technical support.]
<h2 style="margin-top: 0;">Overview</h2>
<p><strong>Advance Commercial Information (ACI)</strong> is the [[Canada Border Services Agency - General Information|Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)]] eManifest 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></p>


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


=== One Hour Prior Notice ===
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*Under ACI eManifest regulations highway carriers must ensure that the complete ACI eManifest, including the trip and shipments are on file with CBSA for at least one hour prior to the driver's arrival at the border. Failure to do so could result in refused entry into Canada and/or an AMPS penalty.
<h3>⏱️ The 1-Hour Rule</h3>
=== ACI Lead Sheet ===
For highway carriers, CBSA requires that cargo and conveyance data be <strong>received and validated at least one (1) hour prior to arrival</strong> 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>
*When arriving at the border in Canada, the driver must present an ACI lead sheet to the customs officer. The lead sheet allows the officer to bring up the ACI eManifest in their system.
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*The lead sheet must have either:
*#A barcoded Conveyance Reference Number (aka Trip Number), or
*#A barcoded [[Cargo Control Number (Canadian Shipments)|Cargo Control Number]] and a handwritten Conveyance Reference Number, or
*#A handwritten Conveyance Reference Number on the lead sheet presented with a separate page with a barcoded Cargo Control Number (e.g. invoice with a PARS sticker)
*The officer will stamp the lead sheet only as proof of report, they will no longer stamp individual shipments. The carrier has a responsibility to keep the stamped lead sheet as proof of report.
*ACI lead sheets can be [[Generating_ACE_and_ACI_eManifest_Lead_Sheets_(CBP_and_CBSA)|generated from within BorderConnect]], either from the manifest or as a set ahead of time. The carrier can also design and produce their own lead sheets, provided that they meet the barcode requirements listed above.


As always, if you have any questions please [https://www.borderconnect.com/contact-us.htm contact us] for further assistance and support.
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== Getting Started ==
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<h3>🚀 Quick Start Checklist</h3>
<p>Use this workflow to get compliant quickly:</p>
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* <strong>Registration:</strong> Confirm you have a valid CBSA <strong>Carrier Code</strong> and are registered in BorderConnect.
* <strong>Profiles:</strong> Set up Driver, Truck, and Trailer profiles to speed up data entry.
* <strong>Transmit:</strong> Submit your manifest early enough to meet the <strong>1-hour prior</strong> requirement.
* <strong>Paperwork:</strong> Print a bar-coded <strong>ACI Lead Sheet</strong> for the driver.
* <strong>Maintain:</strong> If details change (e.g., different trailer), correct the transmission <strong>as soon as you become aware</strong>.
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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 BorderConnect account under Account and Company. You can also call a BorderConnect representative at any time to have the forms emailed or faxed over to you. <!-- Need screenshot of where they generate pages?! -->
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Requirements & Penalties</h2>


The next step is create profiles for any drivers, trucks and trailers that may be crossing the border. Please note that if you are also a user of BorderConnect's ACE eManifest software you should not need to enter any additional data as the profiles are shared between the ACE and ACI software. Otherwise, it is recommended that you enter the profile information ahead of time to facilitate creating eManifests. Please refer to the individual sections for instructions on entering and maintaining:
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*[[Creating and Maintaining Driver Profiles (ACE and ACI eManifest)|Driver profiles]]
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*[[Creating and Maintaining Passenger Profiles (ACE and ACI eManifest)|Passenger profiles]]
<h3>What CBSA Expects</h3>
*[[Creating and Maintaining Truck Profiles (ACE and ACI eManifest)|Truck profiles]]
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*[[Creating and Maintaining Trailer Profiles (ACE and ACI eManifest)|Trailer profiles]]
* <strong>Conveyance (Trip):</strong> Driver, truck, trailer, and seal details (CRN).
* <strong>Cargo (Shipments):</strong> Shipper, consignee, and commodity details (CCN).
* <strong>Validation:</strong> All data must be in "Accepted" status 1 hour before arrival.
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Once you are registered to use ACI with BorderConnect and you have created the driver, truck and trailer profiles, you are ready to begin creating and submitting eManifests to Customs!
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<h3>⚠️ AMPS Penalties</h3>
<p>CBSA may assess monetary penalties for non-compliance under the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS).<ref name="amps_overview">https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/trade-commerce/amps/menu-eng.html</ref></p>
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<strong>Contravention C378:</strong> Failure to submit prescribed pre-arrival information. Penalty amounts escalate by occurrence.<ref name="c378">https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/trade-commerce/amps/contraventions-infractions/c378-eng.html</ref>
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== ACI eManifest Instructions ==
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Driver Documentation (Lead Sheets)</h2>


Please refer to the individual sections for complete instructions on the following:
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<h3>The ACI Lead Sheet</h3>
<p>At the First Port of Arrival (FPOA), the driver must present a <strong>lead sheet</strong> so CBSA can retrieve the data.<ref name="d3_4_2">https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d3/d3-4-2-eng.html</ref></p>
<h4>Acceptable Options:</h4>
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* A bar-coded <strong>Conveyance Reference Number (CRN)</strong>.
* A bar-coded <strong>Cargo Control Number (CCN)</strong> with the CRN handwritten.
* A handwritten CRN if presented alongside a bar-coded PARS document.
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<strong>Tip:</strong> You can [[Generating_ACE_and_ACI_eManifest_Lead_Sheets_(CBP_and_CBSA)|generate lead sheets directly in BorderConnect]].
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[[Image:Detailed_ACI_Driver_Copy.jpg|thumb|center|BorderConnect ACI Lead Sheet]]
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<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Getting Started in BorderConnect</h2>
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<h3><span class="bc-step-circle">1</span> Registration & Carrier Codes</h3>
<p>Before transmitting, you must have a valid CBSA-issued <strong>Carrier Code</strong>. If you are new to ACI, you must also complete the ACI registration forms (available in BorderConnect under Account Settings).<ref name="carrier_code_guidelines">https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/carrier-transporteur/hccap-ddctr-eng.html</ref></p>
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<h3><span class="bc-step-circle">2</span> Create Profiles</h3>
<p>Set up your assets once to populate manifests automatically. These are shared with ACE eManifest if you use both.</p>
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* [[Creating and Maintaining Driver Profiles (ACE and ACI eManifest)|Driver Profiles]]
* [[Creating and Maintaining Truck Profiles (ACE and ACI eManifest)|Truck Profiles]]
* [[Creating and Maintaining Trailer Profiles (ACE and ACI eManifest)|Trailer Profiles]]
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<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Tutorial Library</h2>
<p>Step-by-step videos for common ACI scenarios.</p>
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<h3>Related Guides</h3>
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* [[Creating_and_Submitting_a_New_ACI_eManifest_(ACI_eManifest)|Creating and submitting a new ACI eManifest]]
* [[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]]
* [[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]]
* [[E-Manifest Tracking Feature (ACE and ACI eManifest)|Keeping a close eye on a particular manifest]]
* [[Referencing_Another_Carriers_ACI_Shipment_(ACI_eManifest)|Referencing another carriers ACI shipment]]
* [[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 when taking another carrier's PARS or giving away your own]]
* [[Declaring_an_Empty_ACI_eManifest_(ACI_eManifest)|Creating an empty ACI eManifest]]
* [[Declaring_an_Empty_ACI_eManifest_(ACI_eManifest)|Creating an empty ACI eManifest]]
* [[Meat_Shipment_CFIA_Inspection_Status_Feature_(CBSA)|Checking the CFIA Inspection status of a meat shipment]]
* [[Meat_Shipment_CFIA_Inspection_Status_Feature_(CBSA)|Checking CFIA inspection status for meat shipments]]
<!--* [[Updating or Correcting an Arrived ACI eManifest|Updating a manifest when the driver has already arrived at the border]]-->
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== ACI eManifest Tutorials ==
{{AppPromo}}


{|
== References ==
|{{#ev:youtube|rWoJDSYsv28|360|left|How to create an ACI eManifest in BorderConnect.}}
<references />
|{{#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.}}
|}


{|
</div> [[Category:ACI eManifest Guide]]
|{{#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.}}
|}
 
== References: ==
<references />
[[Category:ACI eManifest Guide]]

Latest revision as of 15:06, 9 March 2026

🔖 This article is part of the BorderConnect ACI eManifest Guide

ACI eManifest

A comprehensive guide to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) advance commercial reporting program for highway carriers.

Country: Canada (CBSA) Time: 15 Minutes

Overview

Advance Commercial Information (ACI) is the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) eManifest program. It provides customs officers with electronic pre-arrival information to support risk assessment and border processing.[1]

BorderConnect ACI eManifest software provides a web-based solution to transmit ACI data, supported by [24/7 technical support].

⏱️ The 1-Hour Rule

For highway carriers, CBSA requires that cargo and conveyance data be received and validated at least one (1) hour prior to arrival at the Canadian port of entry.[2]

🚀 Quick Start Checklist

Use this workflow to get compliant quickly:

  • Registration: Confirm you have a valid CBSA Carrier Code and are registered in BorderConnect.
  • Profiles: Set up Driver, Truck, and Trailer profiles to speed up data entry.
  • Transmit: Submit your manifest early enough to meet the 1-hour prior requirement.
  • Paperwork: Print a bar-coded ACI Lead Sheet for the driver.
  • Maintain: If details change (e.g., different trailer), correct the transmission as soon as you become aware.

Requirements & Penalties

What CBSA Expects

  • Conveyance (Trip): Driver, truck, trailer, and seal details (CRN).
  • Cargo (Shipments): Shipper, consignee, and commodity details (CCN).
  • Validation: All data must be in "Accepted" status 1 hour before arrival.

⚠️ AMPS Penalties

CBSA may assess monetary penalties for non-compliance under the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS).[3]

Contravention C378: Failure to submit prescribed pre-arrival information. Penalty amounts escalate by occurrence.[4]

Driver Documentation (Lead Sheets)

The ACI Lead Sheet

At the First Port of Arrival (FPOA), the driver must present a lead sheet so CBSA can retrieve the data.[5]

Acceptable Options:

  • A bar-coded Conveyance Reference Number (CRN).
  • A bar-coded Cargo Control Number (CCN) with the CRN handwritten.
  • A handwritten CRN if presented alongside a bar-coded PARS document.

Tip: You can generate lead sheets directly in BorderConnect.

BorderConnect ACI Lead Sheet

Getting Started in BorderConnect

1 Registration & Carrier Codes

Before transmitting, you must have a valid CBSA-issued Carrier Code. If you are new to ACI, you must also complete the ACI registration forms (available in BorderConnect under Account Settings).[6]

2 Create Profiles

Set up your assets once to populate manifests automatically. These are shared with ACE eManifest if you use both.

Tutorial Library

Step-by-step videos for common ACI scenarios.

Related Guides

📱

eManifesting in your pocket. Process ACE & ACI eManifests, track shipments in real-time, and upload documents instantly—anytime, anywhere.

Download on theApp Store GET IT ONGoogle Play

References

  1. ↑ https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/eccrdhi-deccerout-eng.html
  2. ↑ https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/aci-manif-ipec/req-exig-eng.html
  3. ↑ https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/trade-commerce/amps/menu-eng.html
  4. ↑ https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/trade-commerce/amps/contraventions-infractions/c378-eng.html
  5. ↑ https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d3/d3-4-2-eng.html
  6. ↑ https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/carrier-transporteur/hccap-ddctr-eng.html
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