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Courier LVS (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}}
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{{#ev:youtube|JEa1u5Twgkg|960|center|How to create a Courier LVS cargo exemptions in ACI.}}
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<h1>Courier Low Value Shipment (CLVS)</h1>
<p>A guide to reporting Courier LVS cargo exceptions for authorized couriers in ACI eManifest.</p>
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<span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="fas fa-shipping-fast"></i> Type: Cargo Exception</span>
<span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="fas fa-flag"></i> Country: Canada (CBSA)</span>
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[[Image:Courier-lvs-boxes.png|360px|right|thumb|A usual shipment of boxes found in a '''Courier LVS''' shipment]]
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A '''Courier Low Value Shipment''' ('''CLVS''') is a Canadian [[Shipment_Types_For_ACE_and_ACI_eManifest|Cargo Exception]] used for eligible goods imported into Canada and transported by an authorized courier participating in the CBSA Courier Low Value Shipment (CLVS) Program.<ref name="clvs-menu">CBSA – Importing goods through the Courier Low Value Shipment (CLVS) Program (eligibility conditions): https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/courier/lvs-efv/menu-eng.html</ref><ref name="d17-4-0">CBSA Memorandum D17-4-0 – Courier Low Value Shipment Program (policies/procedures; threshold updated to $3,300): https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d17/d17-4-0-eng.html</ref>


To qualify, the shipment must have an estimated value for duty not exceeding '''CAD $3,300''' and must not contain goods that are prohibited, controlled, or regulated by an Act of Parliament. Eligible shipments must be transported by an authorized courier participating in the CLVS Program.<ref name="clvs-menu" /><ref name="d17-4-0" />
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== LVS Shipments in ACI eManifest ==
<h2 style="margin-top: 0;">Overview</h2>
<p>A <strong>Courier Low Value Shipment (CLVS)</strong> is a Canadian cargo exception used for goods imported by authorized couriers participating in the CBSA CLVS Program.</p>


Courier LVS Shipments are required to be reported on an ACI eManifest.To report an LVS shipment the carrier will need to set the LVS exception code on either the truck, trailer or container, depending on where the LVS Shipment is loaded. This tells Customs that there is an LVS Shipment aboard. The carrier will not create an ACI Shipment to report the LVS Shipment, it must be reported using the exception code only. The example below shows how to report LVS shipments using [https://borderconnect.com BorderConnect's] [[ACI_eManifest_Software_User_Guide_(CBSA)|ACI eManifest software]].<ref>CBSA description of the LVS program. http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/courier/lvs-efv/menu-eng.html</ref>
<p>Because these shipments are pre-authorized and low-value, they are <strong>exempt from full ACI cargo data requirements</strong>. Instead of creating individual shipments for hundreds of small boxes, the carrier simply flags the truck or trailer as carrying CLVS cargo.</p>


[[Image:CourierLVS1.png|800px]]
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<strong>The $3,300 Threshold:</strong> To qualify, each shipment must have a value for duty not exceeding <strong>CAD $3,300</strong> and must not contain prohibited, controlled, or regulated goods.
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If the LVS Shipment is 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.<ref name="eccrd-hiway">CBSA ECCRD – Advance Commercial Information (ACI)/eManifest Highway (Exceptions to cargo data include Courier LVS): https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/eccrdhi-deccerout-eng.html</ref><ref name="d17-4-0" />
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At the border, CBSA may request supporting documents related to the CLVS load (for example, a copy of the cargo/release list (CRL) used by CLVS participants).<ref name="d17-4-0" />
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Eligibility Requirements</h2>


{{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>Who and What Qualifies?</h3>
<p>Participation in this program is restricted:</p>
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* <strong>Authorized Couriers:</strong> Only couriers specifically approved by CBSA for the CLVS program may use this exception.
* <strong>Value Limit:</strong> Maximum CAD $3,300 per shipment.
* <strong>Restricted Goods:</strong> Goods requiring permits or regulated by other government departments (OGDs) are <strong>not</strong> eligible.
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[[Image:Courier-lvs-boxes.png|thumb|center|Typical Courier LVS Cargo]]
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<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Reporting in ACI eManifest</h2>
<p>When using the CLVS exception, the highway carrier <strong>does not create ACI Shipments</strong>. You report the exception on the conveyance (Trip) level.</p>
 
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<h3><span class="bc-step-circle">1</span> Set the Exception Code</h3>
<p>In BorderConnect, open your ACI eManifest Details page.</p>
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1. Locate the <strong>Truck</strong> or <strong>Trailer</strong> containing the courier loads.
2. Click <strong>Set Cargo Exemption</strong> (or use the drop-down menu).
3. Select <strong>Courier LVS</strong> as the exception type.
4. Enter the estimated number of CLVS shipments if required.
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[[Image:CourierLVS1.png|thumb|center|Setting Courier LVS Exemption]]
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<h3><span class="bc-step-circle">2</span> Transmit the Manifest</h3>
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* <strong>CLVS Only:</strong> If the truck has <em>only</em> courier freight, transmit the manifest with 0 shipments attached.
* <strong>Mixed Load:</strong> If you have PARS shipments alongside CLVS, add the PARS shipments normally and set the CLVS exception on the trailer.
* <strong>Transmit:</strong> Click <strong>Sync with CBSA</strong> and ensure it is accepted.
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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>Documentation and Compliance</h3>
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* <strong>Lead Sheet:</strong> The driver presents the ACI Lead Sheet with the barcoded Trip Number.
* <strong>Release Lists:</strong> CBSA may request the <strong>Cargo/Release List (CRL)</strong> used by the courier to verify the contents of the load.
* <strong>1-Hour Rule:</strong> The manifest must be accepted by CBSA at least <strong>1 hour</strong> prior to the driver arriving at the border.
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== References ==
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[[Category:Shipment Type Guide]]
</div> [[Category:Shipment Type Guide]]

Revision as of 13:09, 5 February 2026

🔖 This article is part of the Shipment Release Types Guide

Courier Low Value Shipment (CLVS)

A guide to reporting Courier LVS cargo exceptions for authorized couriers in ACI eManifest.

Overview

A Courier Low Value Shipment (CLVS) is a Canadian cargo exception used for goods imported by authorized couriers participating in the CBSA CLVS Program.

Because these shipments are pre-authorized and low-value, they are exempt from full ACI cargo data requirements. Instead of creating individual shipments for hundreds of small boxes, the carrier simply flags the truck or trailer as carrying CLVS cargo.

The $3,300 Threshold: To qualify, each shipment must have a value for duty not exceeding CAD $3,300 and must not contain prohibited, controlled, or regulated goods.

Eligibility Requirements

Who and What Qualifies?

Participation in this program is restricted:

  • Authorized Couriers: Only couriers specifically approved by CBSA for the CLVS program may use this exception.
  • Value Limit: Maximum CAD $3,300 per shipment.
  • Restricted Goods: Goods requiring permits or regulated by other government departments (OGDs) are not eligible.
Typical Courier LVS Cargo

Reporting in ACI eManifest

When using the CLVS exception, the highway carrier does not create ACI Shipments. You report the exception on the conveyance (Trip) level.

1 Set the Exception Code

In BorderConnect, open your ACI eManifest Details page.

1. Locate the Truck or Trailer containing the courier loads. 2. Click Set Cargo Exemption (or use the drop-down menu). 3. Select Courier LVS as the exception type. 4. Enter the estimated number of CLVS shipments if required.

Setting Courier LVS Exemption

2 Transmit the Manifest

  • CLVS Only: If the truck has only courier freight, transmit the manifest with 0 shipments attached.
  • Mixed Load: If you have PARS shipments alongside CLVS, add the PARS shipments normally and set the CLVS exception on the trailer.
  • Transmit: Click Sync with CBSA and ensure it is accepted.

At the Border

Documentation and Compliance

  • Lead Sheet: The driver presents the ACI Lead Sheet with the barcoded Trip Number.
  • Release Lists: CBSA may request the Cargo/Release List (CRL) used by the courier to verify the contents of the load.
  • 1-Hour Rule: The manifest must be accepted by CBSA at least 1 hour prior to the driver arriving at the border.
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References