CSA (CBSA Shipment Type)

This article is part of the Shipment Release Types Guide

This article is about the Canadian Shipment Type. For information on the CSA Program visit CSA Program Information

CSA, standing for Customs Self Assessment, is a Canadian Shipment Type / clearance option associated with the CBSA Customs Self-Assessment (CSA) Program. The CSA program is designed for low-risk, pre-approved importers and carriers using registered commercial drivers to transport eligible goods into Canada, allowing for streamlined processing and “authority to deliver” without routine border release processing.

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How to create a CSA shipment in BorderConnect.

CSA allows for the clearance of goods imported by a CSA-authorized importer and transported by a CSA-authorized carrier. In the highway mode, the driver transporting CSA shipments must be registered under either the Commercial Driver Registration Program (CDRP) or the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program.

To be eligible for CSA clearance, goods must generally be commercial goods shipped directly from the United States or Mexico and must not require a permit, licence, certificate, or other similar document to be presented to CBSA prior to release, under the applicable legislation of any other government department. CSA importers are responsible for determining which goods and shipments qualify for CSA treatment and for advising their carriers accordingly.

Declaring a CSA Shipment in ACI

CSA Shipments are not required to be reported on an ACI eManifest. The carrier can elect to continue to use the same process to clear CSA shipments that was in place before ACI, i.e. paper process with 3 bar codes. If using this option the carrier would not file a manifest at all for trucks carrying only CSA Shipments, and would file a manifest only reporting the non-CSA Shipments in the case of a mixed load.

If a carrier elects to report their CSA Shipments in ACI, they must first notify CBSA's Technical Support Unit at TSU.UST@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca, as well as their CSA senior project officer. The carrier must also be an Release Notification System participant (e.g. BorderConnect's PARS Checking software) in order to transmit CSA data through ACI. It is important to note that carriers electing to transmit CSA data through ACI are responsible for also transmitting their TCP data through ACI. For instructions on this and on the registration process, it is best to contact your service provider. (BorderConnect's contact info here.)

To report a CSA Shipment in ACI the carrier will need to create an ACI Shipment designated as CSA and ensure that the shipment is transmitted as part of their ACI eManifest.

Although a CSA Shipment is different from a PARS shipment, the carrier will still need to provide a unique Cargo Control Number, as well the CSA Importer Business Number and all other information normally required for an ACI Shipment including Shipper, Consignee and Commodity information.

At the border, when CSA shipments are transmitted electronically through ACI, the shipment may be processed automatically upon arrival when the driver presents the ACI Lead Sheet. The driver is not required to present the traditional three-barcode CSA card in this scenario, but must still be able to demonstrate eligibility by presenting a valid FAST or CDRP card upon request.

CSA clearance in the highway mode requires a CSA-authorized importer and carrier using a registered driver (FAST or CDRP). CSA-eligible goods must generally be shipped directly from the United States or Mexico and must not require a permit, licence, or similar document to be presented to CBSA prior to release.