In-Transit Manifest (CBSA)

🔖 This article is part of the Shipment Release Types Guide

In-Transit Manifest (Canada & USA)

A guide to moving goods from Point A to Point B by passing through a foreign country (US to US via Canada, or Canada to Canada via US).

Type: Cargo Exemption Region: Cross-Border

Overview

An In-Transit move occurs when a carrier transports domestic goods through a foreign country to reach another domestic destination.

Because the goods are not entering the commerce of the foreign country, they travel "In-Bond" or "In-Transit" and are exempt from duties/taxes, provided they stay sealed.

Two Main Scenarios:

• US ➔ Canada ➔ US: Uses CBSA Form A8B + ACI eManifest filed as Empty.
• Canada ➔ US ➔ Canada: Uses CBP Form 7512 (T&E) + ACI In-Transit Exemption upon re-entry.

🇺🇸 ➔ 🇨🇦 ➔ 🇺🇸 (US to US via Canada)

The Paperwork: Form A8B

When moving US goods through Canada, CBSA uses the Form A8B United States – Canada Transit Manifest to control the movement.

Step 1: Entry into Canada

The driver presents 4 Copies of Form A8B:

• White (Original): Held by CBSA at entry (Pending File).
• Blue (2nd): Exit copy (travels with driver).
• Green (3rd): Re-entry copy (travels with driver).
• Pink (4th): Carrier copy.

CBSA seals the truck with Green Ball Seals.

Step 2: Exit from Canada

Upon re-entering the US:

1. The driver reports to U.S. CBP. 2. The carrier presents the remaining copies. 3. CBP validates the seals and stamps the forms. 4. The Blue Copy is mailed back to the Canadian office of entry to close the loop (acquittal).

The Electronic Requirement: ACI eManifest (File as Empty)

For a US to Canada to US move, an ACI In-Transit Exemption is not needed when initially crossing into Canada.

Even though there is freight on board, for CBSA ACI reporting purposes, you will file an empty ACI eManifest to report the truck and trailer entering Canada.

• Manifest Type: Highway ACI.
• Shipment Type: Empty (Do not create a cargo shipment).
• Exception Code: None required for this specific routing.

🇨🇦 ➔ 🇺🇸 ➔ 🇨🇦 (Canada to Canada via US)

The Requirement: T&E Bond

To haul Canadian goods through the US, the carrier must be a bonded US carrier. You cannot do this move without a US bond.

You must file an ACE In-Bond of type Transportation & Exportation (62).

• Filing: Create an ACE eManifest with shipment type ACE In-Bond (or QP In-Bond if using a broker).
• Entry: Report arrival at the US port.
• Exit: You must report the export when crossing back into Canada to close the bond. Failure to report export leads to penalties.

Re-Entry into Canada

When the truck returns to Canada to complete the Canada to US to Canada move, an ACI In-Transit Exemption will be required upon re-entry.

Manifest: Create a new ACI eManifest for the return trip into Canada.

Exception: You must use the In-Transit exception on the trailer to indicate the goods are domestic Canadian goods that simply transited through the US.

How to Process the In-Transit Exemption in BorderConnect

Setting the In-Transit Exception (For Re-Entry to Canada)

For the Canada to US to Canada return trip, you don't create "Shipments" in ACI. Instead, you apply the exemption data directly to the trailer.

1. Start ACI eManifest: Enter your Trip Number and Port of Entry. 2. Add Trailer/Truck: Go to the truck or trailer profile. 3. Select Exception: In the "Loaded Status" or "Cargo Exception" dropdown, select In-Transit. 4. Transmit: Send the manifest.

Result: CBSA sees a loaded trailer but knows not to expect a PARS entry because it is flagged as In-Transit.

Setting In-Transit Exception in ACI

📱

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