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.

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A video tutorial on creating ACI eManifest with a PARS shipment in BorderConnect.

PARS barcode labels as seen from BorderPrint.com

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).

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).

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).

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.

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.

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 ensure that the Cargo Control Number (CCN/PARS number) transmitted in the Highway Cargo Document exactly matches the bar-coded PARS number that will be presented at the border. If the carrier embeds the letters “PARS” into the number (for example, between the carrier code and shipment number), the transmitted CCN must include “PARS” in the same position as well. Failure to match the CCN can result in processing delays at the port of entry.

In addition to being reported on the eManifest, PARS shipments generally require a customs broker (or other authorized party) to submit a release request to CBSA that references the same CCN. To comply with ACI/eManifest highway requirements, the carrier must ensure the electronic cargo information is received and validated by CBSA at least one hour prior to arrival at the First Port of Arrival. If a release request has been submitted but the corresponding cargo document is not yet on file, CBSA may issue a “Document Not on File” notice, which can lead to delays until the cargo and release information can be matched.

In the highway mode, CBSA must receive and validate the carrier’s electronic cargo (and where applicable, conveyance) data at least one hour before arrival. If a release request (e.g., PARS) is submitted before the cargo document is on file, CBSA may issue a “Document Not on File” notice until the submissions can be matched.