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ACI eManifest Software User Guide (CBSA): Difference between revisions

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{{note|This article is part of the [[ACI_eManifest_Software_User_Guide_(CBSA)|BorderConnect ACI eManifest Guide]]|info}}
{{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 Canada Border Services Agency's (CBSA) 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.
[[Image:Aci-emanifest-logo.png|thumb|250px|right]]
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>
'''Advance Commercial Information (ACI)''' is the Canada Border Services Agency's (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>


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>
For '''highway carriers''', CBSA requires that cargo and conveyance data be received and validated a '''minimum of one hour before 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>


[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.]
=== Program rollout and enforcement (highway) ===
ACI/eManifest for highway carriers entered an '''informed compliance period''' beginning November 1, 2012, during which CBSA emphasized adoption and readiness while indicating it would provide advance notice before mandatory enforcement dates were confirmed.<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>
 
Under CBSA’s Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS), 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">https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/trade-commerce/amps/mpd-dmi-eng.pdf</ref><ref name="amps_overview">https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/trade-commerce/amps/menu-eng.html</ref>
 
[https://www.borderconnect.com/aci-e-manifest/index.htm BorderConnect ACI eManifest software] offers a user-friendly web-based solution to comply with eManifest requirements, complete with [https://borderconnect.com/contact-us.htm 24/7 technical support.]


== ACI eManifest Requirements ==
== ACI eManifest Requirements ==


=== One Hour Prior Notice ===
=== One Hour Prior Notice (Highway) ===
*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. BorderConnect provides [[ACI_eManifest_Compliance_Guide_(ACI_eManifest)|ACI eManifest Compliance]] software features that help to alleviate potential AMPS.
*Under CBSA requirements, highway carriers must ensure that cargo and conveyance data is '''received and validated by CBSA at least one hour prior to arrival''' at the port of entry.<ref name="req_by_client_type" />
*CBSA notes that failure to submit accurate/complete data, including not submitting data one hour prior to arrival, can lead to '''delays and monetary penalties''' under AMPS.<ref name="highway_transmit_data" />
*BorderConnect provides [[ACI_eManifest_Compliance_Guide_(ACI_eManifest)|ACI eManifest Compliance]] software features that help reduce the risk of missed timeframes and common compliance errors.
 
=== ACI Lead Sheet (Highway) ===
When arriving at the First Port of Arrival (FPOA), the driver must present a '''lead sheet''' (sometimes referred to as an '''eManifest lead sheet''' or '''portal lead sheet''') that helps CBSA retrieve the submitted ACI/eManifest data.<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>
 
CBSA describes the following lead sheet options:
* A '''bar-coded Conveyance Reference Number (CRN)''' (also called a trip number), or
* A '''bar-coded Cargo Control Number (CCN)''' with a '''handwritten CRN''', or
* A '''handwritten CRN''' if an '''alternate bar-coded document''' associated with the shipment is also presented with the lead sheet (for example, a bar-coded PARS document).<ref name="portal_user_guide" /><ref name="d3_4_2" /><ref name="eccrd_hiway" />
 
Additional CBSA guidance:
* CBSA recommends that for non-PARS releases the words '''"eManifest Lead Sheet"''' or '''"Portal Lead Sheet"''' be printed on the document presented as the lead sheet.<ref name="d3_4_2" />
* CBSA indicates the Border Services Officer will stamp and return the lead sheet; carriers should retain the stamped lead sheet as part of their proof/reporting records.<ref name="eccrd_hiway" /><ref name="d3_4_2" />
 
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 above.<ref name="d3_4_2" /><ref name="portal_user_guide" />


=== ACI Lead Sheet ===
=== Corrections and changes ===
*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.
*CBSA requires that corrections be sent '''as soon as you become aware of them'''.<ref name="highway_transmit_data" />
*The lead sheet must have either:
*CBSA notes that changes do '''not restart the one-hour clock'''; only cancelling and re-submitting a transmission restarts the clock.<ref name="highway_transmit_data" />
*#A barcoded Conveyance Reference Number (aka Trip Number), or
*Drivers cannot choose an alternate port of entry without updating the ACI/eManifest data accordingly.<ref name="highway_transmit_data" />
*#A barcoded [[Cargo_Control_Number_(Customs_Glossary_Guide)|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)
=== AMPS penalties (examples) ===
*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.
CBSA may assess monetary penalties under AMPS for non-compliance. For example:
*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.
* '''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>
See CBSA’s AMPS overview and Master Penalty Document for additional contraventions and penalty structure.<ref name="amps_overview" /><ref name="mpd_pdf" />


As always, if you have any questions please [https://www.borderconnect.com/contact-us.htm contact us] for further assistance and support.
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 ==
== Getting Started ==


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?! -->
=== CBSA registration / identifiers (highway carriers) ===
Before transmitting ACI/eManifest, highway carriers must have a valid CBSA-issued '''carrier code''' and complete the appropriate CBSA setup steps (for example via CBSA’s CARM Client Portal and/or eManifest Portal registration process, 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 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.


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:
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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|{{#ev:youtube|1bdxb3qr-wE|360|left|How to create a referenced shipment in ACI using BorderConnect.}}
|{{#ev:youtube|1bdxb3qr-wE|360|left|How to create a referenced shipment in ACI using BorderConnect.}}
|}
|}


== References: ==
== References: ==
<references />
<references />
[[Category:ACI eManifest Guide]]
[[Category:ACI eManifest Guide]]

Revision as of 15:22, 21 January 2026

🔖 This article is part of the BorderConnect ACI eManifest Guide

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

For highway carriers, CBSA requires that cargo and conveyance data be received and validated a minimum of one hour before arrival at the Canadian port of entry.[2][3]

Program rollout and enforcement (highway)

ACI/eManifest for highway carriers entered an informed compliance period beginning November 1, 2012, during which CBSA emphasized adoption and readiness while indicating it would provide advance notice before mandatory enforcement dates were confirmed.[4][5]

Under CBSA’s Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS), 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.[6][7]

BorderConnect ACI eManifest software offers a user-friendly web-based solution to comply with eManifest requirements, complete with 24/7 technical support.

ACI eManifest Requirements

One Hour Prior Notice (Highway)

  • Under CBSA requirements, highway carriers must ensure that cargo and conveyance data is received and validated by CBSA at least one hour prior to arrival at the port of entry.[2]
  • CBSA notes that failure to submit accurate/complete data, including not submitting data one hour prior to arrival, can lead to delays and monetary penalties under AMPS.[3]
  • BorderConnect provides ACI eManifest Compliance software features that help reduce the risk of missed timeframes and common compliance errors.

ACI Lead Sheet (Highway)

When arriving at the First Port of Arrival (FPOA), the driver must present a lead sheet (sometimes referred to as an eManifest lead sheet or portal lead sheet) that helps CBSA retrieve the submitted ACI/eManifest data.[8][9]

CBSA describes the following lead sheet options:

  • A bar-coded Conveyance Reference Number (CRN) (also called a trip number), or
  • A bar-coded Cargo Control Number (CCN) with a handwritten CRN, or
  • A handwritten CRN if an alternate bar-coded document associated with the shipment is also presented with the lead sheet (for example, a bar-coded PARS document).[9][8][1]

Additional CBSA guidance:

  • CBSA recommends that for non-PARS releases the words "eManifest Lead Sheet" or "Portal Lead Sheet" be printed on the document presented as the lead sheet.[8]
  • CBSA indicates the Border Services Officer will stamp and return the lead sheet; carriers should retain the stamped lead sheet as part of their proof/reporting records.[1][8]

ACI lead sheets can be 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 above.[8][9]

Corrections and changes

  • CBSA requires that corrections be sent as soon as you become aware of them.[3]
  • CBSA notes that changes do not restart the one-hour clock; only cancelling and re-submitting a transmission restarts the clock.[3]
  • Drivers cannot choose an alternate port of entry without updating the ACI/eManifest data accordingly.[3]

AMPS penalties (examples)

CBSA may assess monetary penalties under AMPS for non-compliance. For example:

  • Contravention C378 – failure to submit prescribed pre-load/pre-arrival information relating to cargo and/or conveyance (penalty amounts escalate by occurrence).[10]

See CBSA’s AMPS overview and Master Penalty Document for additional contraventions and penalty structure.[7][6]

As always, if you have any questions please contact us for further assistance and support.

Getting Started

CBSA registration / identifiers (highway carriers)

Before transmitting ACI/eManifest, highway carriers must have a valid CBSA-issued carrier code and complete the appropriate CBSA setup steps (for example via CBSA’s CARM Client Portal and/or eManifest Portal registration process, depending on transmission method).[11][12][13]

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.

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:

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!

ACI eManifest Instructions

Please refer to the individual sections for complete instructions on the following:

ACI eManifest Tutorials

Load video
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How to create an ACI eManifest in BorderConnect.
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How to create an empty ACI in BorderConnect.
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How to create an ACI In-Bond in BorderConnect.
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How to change and correct an ACI in BorderConnect.
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How to create an A49 Automotive Release in BorderConnect.
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How to create a CSA shipment in BorderConnect.
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How to create IIT shipments and Cargo Exemptions for ACI in BorderConnect.
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How to create an Orders In Council shipment in ACI using BorderConnect.
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How to create a referenced shipment in ACI using BorderConnect.

References:

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/eccrdhi-deccerout-eng.html
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/aci-manif-ipec/req-exig-eng.html
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/aci-manif-ipec/hcc-ctr-eng.html
  4. ↑ https://cscb.ca/sites/default/files/legacy/uploads/Preparing_for_eMan_Chklist_for_Hwy.pdf
  5. ↑ https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/agency-agence/consult/manif/comm-eng.html
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/trade-commerce/amps/mpd-dmi-eng.pdf
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/trade-commerce/amps/menu-eng.html
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d3/d3-4-2-eng.html
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/portal-portail/guide-eng.html
  10. ↑ https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/trade-commerce/amps/contraventions-infractions/c378-eng.html
  11. ↑ https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/portal-portail-eng.html
  12. ↑ https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/carrier-transporteur/hc-tr-eng.html
  13. ↑ https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/carrier-transporteur/hccap-ddctr-eng.html
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