PARS (CBSA Shipment Type)
| This article is part of the Shipment Release Types Guide |
PARS (Pre-arrival Review System) is a Canadian Shipment Type / service option used for the release of imported commercial goods through the CBSA in the highway mode. PARS allows importers and customs brokers to submit release on minimum documentation (RMD) information to CBSA for review and processing before the goods arrive in Canada, which helps speed up release or referral for examination when the shipment reaches the border.[1]
In highway mode, carriers are required to transmit advance electronic cargo (and where applicable, conveyance) information within the required timeframes (generally, the data must be received and validated by CBSA at least one hour prior to arrival at the First Port of Arrival).[2][3]
PARS commonly uses a PARS number (a cargo control number / CCN) to link the carrier’s cargo report with the broker’s release information. CBSA permits carriers to use pre-printed bar-coded labels that include the carrier’s first four-character carrier code followed by a unique shipment number (and the word “PARS” may appear on the label; if it is included as part of the number, it must also be included in the bar code).[4]
Like other cargo control numbers in highway mode, PARS numbers must be unique and must not be reused within a three-year period (CBSA systems will reject duplicates).[5][6]
The PARS process typically begins when the carrier picks up a shipment and assigns a unique PARS number/label, then provides that number to the customs broker so the broker can prepare and transmit release information in advance. CBSA guidance describes carriers faxing/sending the invoice/bill of lading to the broker and arriving at the border with the original bar-coded paperwork for scanning by the officer.[7]
PARS is one of several CBSA service options for releasing commercial goods; shipments may also clear under other release options (e.g., RMD, CSA, other special shipment types/exemptions) where applicable.[8]
Declaring a PARS Shipment in ACI eManifest
PARS shipments are required to be declared on an ACI eManifest. To report a PARS shipment the carrier will need to create an ACI Shipment designated as non-CSA (or "PARS" if using BorderConnect's ACI eManifest software), and ensure that the shipment is transmitted as part of their ACI eManifest.
When entering a PARS shipment in ACI, the carrier should take special care to make sure that the PARS Number entered exactly matches the PARS Number provided to the Customs Broker, including the word 'PARS' if applicable. Failure to do so can result in delays at the border. [9]
In addition to being reported on the eManifest, each PARS declaration must be accompanied formal entry filed a Customs Broker. The carrier must ensure that the Customs Broker has cleared the PARS at least one hour prior to the driver's arrival at the border. This can be verified either by using an RNS system such as BorderConnect's PARS Checking software, or by checking directly with the broker.
| 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. |
References:
- ↑ CBSA – Other service options (Pre-arrival Review System / PARS) https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/services-eng.html
- ↑ CBSA – Advance Commercial Information (ACI)/eManifest Highway: Highway Cargo Document processing (1 hour prior requirement) https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/eccrdhi-deccerout-eng.html
- ↑ CBSA – Commercial reporting requirements (highway mode: 1 hour) https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/aci-manif-ipec/req-exig-eng.html
- ↑ CBSA – Cargo control and bar-coded labels (Option 3 – Using the Pre-Arrival Review System / PARS label format) https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/carrier-transporteur/codes-labels-etiquette-eng.html
- ↑ CBSA – Cargo control and bar-coded labels (three-year non-reuse; duplicates rejected) https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/carrier-transporteur/codes-labels-etiquette-eng.html
- ↑ CBSA Memorandum D3-4-2 – Highway pre-arrival and reporting requirements (CCN reuse timeframes) https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d3/d3-4-2-eng.html
- ↑ CBSA – Cargo control and bar-coded labels (PARS workflow and paperwork handling) https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/carrier-transporteur/codes-labels-etiquette-eng.html
- ↑ CBSA – Other service options (lists PARS and other line release options) https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/services-eng.html
- ↑ CBSA Requirements for Commercial Clients https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/portal-portail/help-aide/ccncar-ncffret-eng.html#:~:text=The%20Cargo%20Control%20Number%20(CCN,equivalent%20release%20document(s).