EManifest Processing Guide (ACE and ACI eManifest)
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🔖 This article is part of the BorderConnect Customs Compliance Guide |
BorderConnect’s eManifest Processing Service allows carriers to fax or email their eManifest details to BorderConnect, where trained specialists prepare and transmit the eManifest to customs on the carrier’s behalf.
Many carriers use this service as their primary method of filing eManifests, while others rely on it as an after-hours or backup solution. This guide explains how the service works, what information is required, and best practices to avoid delays at the border.
What is eManifest Processing?
BorderConnect’s eManifest Processing Centre is staffed 24/7 by specialists trained in both:
- ACE Manifest (United States)
- ACI eManifest (Canada)
Key facts:
- Processes approximately 7,500 ACE and ACI eManifests per month
- Supports thousands of BorderConnect portal and API customers
- Average processing time: ~6 minutes
Average processing time based on 2015–2016 data across more than 180,000 manifests. Actual times may vary depending on completeness and complexity.
Getting started
To register for BorderConnect eManifest Processing:
- Visit www.borderconnect.com and click Sign Up Now
- Enter your company details and verify your email
- A BorderConnect representative will contact you within one business day (or sooner)
Account activation notes
| Scenario | What happens next |
|---|---|
| You have a valid SCAC code | You can begin using ACE eManifest Processing immediately |
| You have a Canadian Carrier Code | BorderConnect will provide CBSA registration documents; activation typically takes 2–5 business days |
Required forms
To ensure accurate and timely processing, BorderConnect requires the use of standardized fax/email forms.
| Download ACE Manifest Fax Form – 1-page or 2-page |
| Download ACI eManifest Fax Form – 1-page or 2-page |
| Download Pre-Registration Fax Form – here |
Information required for an ACE Manifest (U.S.)
Trip-level information
| Data element | Required? |
|---|---|
| Unique Trip Number | Yes |
| Port of Arrival | Yes |
| Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) | Yes |
| Truck details (unit #, VIN, plate, type) | Yes |
| Trailer details (if applicable) | Yes |
| Driver details | Yes |
Driver, team driver, and passenger information
Accepted travel documents include:
- Passport or Passport Card
- Enhanced Driver’s License
- FAST or NEXUS card
- Valid U.S. visa (if applicable)
For WHTI requirements, see: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/western-hemisphere-travel-initiative
Shipment-level information (ACE)
| Data element | Required? |
|---|---|
| Shipment Control Number | Yes |
| Shipment Type (e.g. PAPS, In-Bond) | Yes |
| Shipper name and address | Yes |
| Consignee name and address | Yes |
| Commodity description, quantity, weight | Yes |
| Hazardous details (UN code, contact) | If hazardous |
| For ACE, both the manifest and broker clearance for any PAPS shipments must be on file with CBP before the driver arrives at the border. |
Information required for an ACI eManifest (Canada)
Trip-level information
| Data element | Required? |
|---|---|
| Conveyance Reference Number (CRN) | Yes (must differ from CCN/PARS) |
| Port of Entry | Yes |
| Estimated Date & Time of Arrival | Yes |
| Sub-location / Warehouse | Required for In-Bond |
| Truck & trailer details | Yes |
| Driver & passenger details | Not required for ACI |
CBSA ACI requirements: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/aci-manif-ipec/req-exig-eng.html
Shipment-level information (ACI)
| Data element | Required? |
|---|---|
| Cargo Control Number (CCN) | Yes (must differ from CRN) |
| Shipment Type | Yes |
| Sub-location / Warehouse | Required for In-Bond |
| CSA importer BN | Required if CSA |
| Shipper & consignee details | Yes |
| Commodity description, quantity, weight | Yes |
| Hazardous details | If hazardous |
| For ACI, both the eManifest and broker clearance for PARS shipments must be on file with CBSA at least one hour before arrival at the border. |
Travel document requirements
Accepted documents for ACE
- Passport or Passport Card
- Enhanced Driver’s License
- FAST or NEXUS card
Accepted documents for ACI
- Proof of citizenship (passport, citizenship card)
- Driver’s license
- Permanent resident card (U.S. visa)
- Birth certificate
- INAC (Native American ID)
- Any approved WHTI document
Tips and common mistakes to avoid
| Best practice | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Include a phone number on the fax/email | Allows BorderConnect to resolve missing info quickly |
| Wait one full hour after ACI acceptance | CBSA enforces strict pre-arrival timing |
| Send paperwork to the broker first | Broker delays are a common cause of border holds |
| Provide barcoded lead sheets for ACI | Required by CBSA; missing barcodes risk penalties |
| Use fillable PDF forms | Illegible forms cause errors and delays |
| Ensure CRN ≠ PARS/CCN (ACI) | Duplicate numbers will be rejected by CBSA |
| Confirm receipt with BorderConnect | Fax/email delivery can take several minutes |
Need help?
If you are unsure about any detail, call BorderConnect before the truck departs. Most issues can be resolved quickly with a short phone call. BorderConnect support is available 24/7.