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

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{{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}}
{{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|qMJrqWo0yaA|960|center|How to create a IIT shipment in ACI using BorderConnect.}}
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[[Image:Returnable_Bin.jpg|250px|right|thumb|Empty bins which can qualify as '''Instruments of International Trade''']]
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'''Instruments of International Trade''', aka IIT, is a Canadian [[Shipment_Types_For_ACE_and_ACI_eManifest|Cargo Exception]] (an exception to full cargo data requirements) under CBSA ACI/eManifest highway rules. It is used for certain '''empty containers and similar transport articles''' (for example, shipper/importer-owned empty containers registered under Ottawa file or with container bank numbers) that are used to transport commercial goods to and from Canada (e.g., shipping tanks, pallets, baskets, bins, boxes, crates, racks, totes, etc.).<ref name="eccrd-hiway">CBSA Electronic Commerce Client Requirements Document (ECCRD) – Advance Commercial Information (ACI)/eManifest Highway (see section 3.6.2 Instruments of International Trade (IIT)): https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/eccrdhi-deccerout-eng.html</ref><ref name="d3-4-2">CBSA Memorandum D3-4-2 (Highway pre-arrival and reporting requirements) – Definition of Instruments of International Trade (IIT): https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d3/d3-4-2-eng.pdf</ref><ref name="portal-exceptions">CBSA eManifest Portal Help – Cargo Exception(s): https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/portal-portail/help-aide/ce-ef-eng.html</ref>
<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>
<div class="bc-article-meta">
<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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IITs are intended for '''international transportation use''' and are not entering Canada for sale. Applicable time limits for temporary admission vary by the type of conveyance/container (for example, CBSA notes 30-day export limits for certain conveyances/trailers and 365 days for containers under tariff item 9801).<ref name="d3-1-5">CBSA Memorandum D3-1-5 – International commercial transportation (Time limits, para. 28-29): https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d3/d3-1-5-eng.html</ref>
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Although carriers may be familiar with IIT handling, the determination of whether goods qualify should be made by the party responsible for the goods and supported by source documentation available upon request by CBSA (e.g., contract of carriage, invoices, etc.).<ref name="policy-d3-1-1">CBSA Memorandum D3-1-1 – Policy respecting the importation and transportation of goods (carrier obligations / source documentation): https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d3/d3-1-1-eng.html</ref>
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== Declaring IITs in ACI eManifest ==
<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>


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="eccrd-hiway" /><ref name="portal-guide">CBSA eManifest Portal User Guide (exceptions and “only carrying goods qualifying as an exception”): https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/portal-portail/guide-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]].
<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>


[[Image:Iitaci1.jpg|800px]]
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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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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.<ref name="eccrd-hiway" /><ref name="portal-guide" />
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Even when exempt from full ACI/eManifest cargo data, the conveyance/goods must still be reported to CBSA at the first port of arrival (FPOA) in the prescribed manner (electronic/oral/written depending on the scenario).<ref name="policy-d3-1-1" />
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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>


{{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.}}<ref name="eccrd-hiway" />
<table class="wikitable" style="width:100%; margin-bottom:0;">
<tr>
<th style="width: 50%;">Eligible Items</th>
<th>Examples</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Reusable Containers</strong></td>
<td>Shipping tanks, baskets, bins, boxes, crates.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<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>
</tr>
</table>
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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|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 ==
<references/>
<references/>


[[Category:Shipment Type Guide]]
</div> [[Category:Shipment Type Guide]]

Revision as of 12:54, 5 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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