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Instruments of International Trade (CBSA Cargo Exemption): Difference between revisions

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{{note|This article is part of the [[Shipment_Types_For_ACE_and_ACI_eManifest|Shipment Release Types Guide]]|info}}
{{note|This article is part of the [[Shipment_Types_For_ACE_and_ACI_eManifest|Shipment Release Types Guide]]|info}}
{{disambig|This article is about the Canadian Shipment Type. For the U.S. Shipment Type, see [[Instruments_of_International_Traffic_(CBP_Shipment_Type)|Instruments of International Traffic]]|info}}
{{note|This article is about the Canadian Shipment Type. For the U.S. Shipment Type, see [[Instruments_of_International_Traffic_(CBP_Shipment_Type)|Instruments of International Traffic]]|info}}


{{#ev:youtube|zyMyAJoWSY8|960|center|How to create a IIT shipment in ACI using BorderConnect.}}[[Image:Returnable_Bin.jpg|250px|right|thumb|Empty Bins which can qualify as '''Instruments of International Trade''']]'''Instruments of International Trade''', aka IIT, is a Canadian [[Shipment_Types_For_ACE_and_ACI_eManifest|Cargo Exemption]] for goods to clear through [[Canada Border Services Agency - General Information|CBSA]] and [https://www.borderconnect.com/aci-e-manifest/index.htm ACI eManifest]. It allows for the release of shipments consisting of empty cargo containers, reusable skids, drums, pallets, straps and similar goods used in the international commercial transportation of goods. Empty shipper or importer owned containers and also those registered under Ottawa file or with container bank numbers, which are used to transport commercial goods to and from Canada.
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To qualify as IIT the goods must not be entering Canada for reason of sale. If the IITs are owned by a party outside of Canada, they must be entering Canada for the purpose of picking up goods for export, and must themselves be exported from Canada within 30 days. Although carriers may be familiar with IITs, the determination of whether goods qualify as Instruments of International Trade is the responsibility of the importer or the shipper, as the shipper or importer is usually the owner of the goods.<ref>Customs Memorandum D3-4-2 https://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d3/d3-4-2-eng.html</ref><ref name="requirements"/>
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<h1>Instruments of International Trade (IIT)</h1>
<p>A guide to reporting empty racks, totes, bins, and pallets entering Canada (CBSA) as a Cargo Exception.</p>
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<span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="fas fa-pallet"></i> Type: Cargo Exception</span>
<span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="fas fa-flag"></i> Country: Canada (CBSA)</span>
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== Declaring IITs in ACI eManifest ==
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Instruments of International Trade are required to be reported on an [[ACI eManifest Software User Guide (CBSA)|ACI eManifest]]. To report an IIT shipment the carrier will need to set the IIT exception code on either the truck, trailer or container, depending on where the IITs are loaded. This tells Customs that there are IITs aboard. The carrier will not create an ACI Shipment to report the IITs, they must be reported using the exception code only.<ref name="requirements">CBSA Requirements for Commercial Clients http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/reqadinfo-exrensup-eng.html</ref> The example below shows how to report Instruments of International Trade using [https://borderconnect.com BorderConnect's] [[ACI eManifest Software User Guide (CBSA)|ACI eManifest software]].
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[[Image:Iitaci1.jpg|800px]]
<h2 style="margin-top: 0;">Overview</h2>
<p><strong>Instruments of International Trade (IIT)</strong> is a CBSA Cargo Exception used for reusable transport articles that enter Canada temporarily to transport commercial goods.</p>


If Instruments of International Trade are the only thing being transported, the carrier can transmit the ACI eManifest with only the trip (conveyance) portion, and no ACI Shipments attached. Otherwise, the other shipments can be added and the manifest can be transmitted normally.</onlyinclude>
<p>Because these items (empty racks, bins, totes) are considered equipment rather than "goods" being imported, they are <strong>exempt from full cargo data requirements</strong>. Instead of creating a full shipment, you simply flag the conveyance as carrying IITs.<ref name="eccrd-hiway">CBSA Electronic Commerce Client Requirements Document (ECCRD) – Advance Commercial Information (ACI)/eManifest Highway (section 3.6.2). https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/eccrdhi-deccerout-eng.html</ref></p>


In addition to including the IIT exception code on the ACI eManifest, the driver is required to verbally report the IITs to the officer when arriving at the border. The driver may also be asked to supply the file number covering the IITs, which should be available from the importer if the goods are eligible to be declared as IIT.
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<strong>The Difference:</strong> Unlike a commercial shipment (PARS), you do <strong>not</strong> create a cargo shipment for IITs. You report them using an <strong>Exception Code</strong> on the truck or trailer profile.
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{{reminder|In order to comply with ACI eManifest requirements you are required to ensure that both your manifest and the broker clearance on any PARS shipments are on file with CBSA for at least one hour before the driver arrives at the border.}}
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<h3>✅ What Qualifies as IIT?</h3>
<p>To qualify, the items must be reusable transport articles not intended for sale.<ref name="d3-4-2">CBSA Memorandum D3-4-2 – Definition of Instruments of International Trade (IIT). https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d3/d3-4-2-eng.pdf</ref></p>
 
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<tr>
<th style="width: 50%;">Eligible Items</th>
<th>Examples</th>
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<td><strong>Reusable Containers</strong></td>
<td>Shipping tanks, baskets, bins, boxes, crates.</td>
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<td><strong>Transport Equipment</strong></td>
<td>Pallets, racks, skids, totes.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Registration</strong></td>
<td>Items often have container bank numbers or Ottawa file numbers (though not strictly required for the exception code itself, having proof of ownership/contract is recommended).<ref name="policy-d3-1-1">CBSA Memorandum D3-1-1 – Policy respecting the importation and transportation of goods. https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d3/d3-1-1-eng.html</ref></td>
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<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Reporting in ACI eManifest</h2>
<p>Because IITs are a "Cargo Exception," the reporting process in BorderConnect is different from a standard shipment.</p>
 
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<h3>How to Set the Exception Code</h3>
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1. <strong>Start New Manifest:</strong> Create your Trip (Conveyance) as usual.
2. <strong>Do Not Create a Shipment:</strong> Skip the "Create New Shipment" button if IITs are the only thing you are hauling.
3. <strong>Edit Trailer/Truck:</strong> Open the Trailer (or Truck) section of the manifest.
4. <strong>Set Exception:</strong> In the <strong>Loaded Status</strong> or <strong>Exception</strong> field, select <strong>Instruments of International Trade (IIT)</strong>.
5. <strong>Save:</strong> This puts the "IIT" flag on the manifest transmission.
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[[Image:Iitaci1.jpg|thumb|center|800px|Setting IIT Exception on Trailer]]
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<h3>🚚 Common Scenarios</h3>
 
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<h4>Scenario A: IIT Only</h4>
<p>You are hauling empty racks back to Canada.</p>
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* <strong>Manifest:</strong> Trip Only (No Shipments).
* <strong>Flag:</strong> Trailer set to "IIT".
* <strong>Result:</strong> Manifest transmits with 0 Shipments, but the IIT flag tells CBSA why the trailer isn't "Empty".<ref name="portal-guide">CBSA eManifest Portal User Guide. https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/portal-portail/guide-eng.html</ref>
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<h4>Scenario B: Mixed Load</h4>
<p>You are hauling racks (IIT) AND auto parts (PARS).</p>
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* <strong>Manifest:</strong> Create Trip + Create PARS Shipment.
* <strong>Flag:</strong> Trailer set to "IIT" (or mixed).
* <strong>Result:</strong> The PARS covers the goods; the IIT flag covers the racks.
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<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">At the Border</h2>
 
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<h3>What the Driver Needs</h3>
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* <strong>ACI Lead Sheet:</strong> Even without a shipment, you need a Trip number (CRN) lead sheet.
* <strong>Validation:</strong> The 1-Hour prior notice rule still applies to the conveyance data.<ref name="eccrd-hiway" />
* <strong>Time Limits:</strong> Be aware that IITs have temporary admission limits (e.g., 365 days for containers).<ref name="d3-1-5">CBSA Memorandum D3-1-5 – International commercial transportation. https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d3/d3-1-5-eng.html</ref>
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== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:Shipment Type Guide]]
</div> [[Category:Shipment Type Guide]]

Latest revision as of 16:54, 9 February 2026

🔖 This article is part of the Shipment Release Types Guide

🔖 This article is about the Canadian Shipment Type. For the U.S. Shipment Type, see Instruments of International Traffic

Instruments of International Trade (IIT)

A guide to reporting empty racks, totes, bins, and pallets entering Canada (CBSA) as a Cargo Exception.

Type: Cargo Exception Country: Canada (CBSA)

Overview

Instruments of International Trade (IIT) is a CBSA Cargo Exception used for reusable transport articles that enter Canada temporarily to transport commercial goods.

Because these items (empty racks, bins, totes) are considered equipment rather than "goods" being imported, they are exempt from full cargo data requirements. Instead of creating a full shipment, you simply flag the conveyance as carrying IITs.[1]

The Difference: Unlike a commercial shipment (PARS), you do not create a cargo shipment for IITs. You report them using an Exception Code on the truck or trailer profile.

✅ What Qualifies as IIT?

To qualify, the items must be reusable transport articles not intended for sale.[2]

Eligible Items Examples
Reusable Containers Shipping tanks, baskets, bins, boxes, crates.
Transport Equipment Pallets, racks, skids, totes.
Registration Items often have container bank numbers or Ottawa file numbers (though not strictly required for the exception code itself, having proof of ownership/contract is recommended).[3]

Reporting in ACI eManifest

Because IITs are a "Cargo Exception," the reporting process in BorderConnect is different from a standard shipment.

How to Set the Exception Code

1. Start New Manifest: Create your Trip (Conveyance) as usual. 2. Do Not Create a Shipment: Skip the "Create New Shipment" button if IITs are the only thing you are hauling. 3. Edit Trailer/Truck: Open the Trailer (or Truck) section of the manifest. 4. Set Exception: In the Loaded Status or Exception field, select Instruments of International Trade (IIT). 5. Save: This puts the "IIT" flag on the manifest transmission.

Setting IIT Exception on Trailer

🚚 Common Scenarios

Scenario A: IIT Only

You are hauling empty racks back to Canada.

  • Manifest: Trip Only (No Shipments).
  • Flag: Trailer set to "IIT".
  • Result: Manifest transmits with 0 Shipments, but the IIT flag tells CBSA why the trailer isn't "Empty".[4]

Scenario B: Mixed Load

You are hauling racks (IIT) AND auto parts (PARS).

  • Manifest: Create Trip + Create PARS Shipment.
  • Flag: Trailer set to "IIT" (or mixed).
  • Result: The PARS covers the goods; the IIT flag covers the racks.

At the Border

What the Driver Needs

  • ACI Lead Sheet: Even without a shipment, you need a Trip number (CRN) lead sheet.
  • Validation: The 1-Hour prior notice rule still applies to the conveyance data.[1]
  • Time Limits: Be aware that IITs have temporary admission limits (e.g., 365 days for containers).[5]
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References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 CBSA Electronic Commerce Client Requirements Document (ECCRD) – Advance Commercial Information (ACI)/eManifest Highway (section 3.6.2). https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/eccrdhi-deccerout-eng.html
  2. ↑ CBSA Memorandum D3-4-2 – Definition of Instruments of International Trade (IIT). https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d3/d3-4-2-eng.pdf
  3. ↑ CBSA Memorandum D3-1-1 – Policy respecting the importation and transportation of goods. https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d3/d3-1-1-eng.html
  4. ↑ CBSA eManifest Portal User Guide. https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/portal-portail/guide-eng.html
  5. ↑ CBSA Memorandum D3-1-5 – International commercial transportation. https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d3/d3-1-5-eng.html
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