Creating and Submitting a New ACI eManifest (ACI eManifest)
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🔖 This article is part of the BorderConnect ACI eManifest Guide |
This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions for creating and submitting an ACI eManifest to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) using BorderConnect's ACI eManifest software.
This guide assumes:
- You have an active BorderConnect subscription
- Your carrier code is registered for ACI with CBSA
If your carrier code is not yet registered, complete CBSA ACI registration before proceeding.
ACI eManifest Workflow Overview
Understanding the overall flow helps ensure your manifest is complete and compliant before transmission.
| Step | What You Do | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Create Trip | Enter trip, driver, vehicle, and border details | Trip is created in Draft status |
| Add Shipments | Declare all freight on the truck | All cargo is accounted for |
| Add Parties | Assign shipper, consignee, and third parties | Shipment parties are complete |
| Add Commodities | Describe goods, quantity, and weight | Cargo details are declared |
| Transmit | Send manifest to CBSA | Manifest is on file with CBSA |
| Verify | Confirm acceptance and PARS clearance | Ready for border arrival |
Start a New ACI eManifest
From the top menu, select ACI eManifests and then click Start New ACI eManifest.
Enter ACI Trip Information
On the Start New ACI eManifest page, enter all required trip-level information, including:
- Trip number
- Port of entry
- Estimated time of arrival (ETA)
- Driver
- Truck
- Trailer
When all required fields are completed, click Save and Start New ACI Shipment.
Enter ACI Shipment Information
On the Start New ACI Shipment page, enter shipment-level details describing the freight being transported.
To access less common shipment options (for example, consolidated freight, special instructions, or a consignment reference number), click the Show link at the bottom of the shipment legend to reveal additional fields.
Add Shipper
On the ACI Shipment Details page, assign a shipper to the shipment.
You may:
- Use Quick Assign Shipper to select a previously used shipper
- Click Add New Shipper to create a new shipper record
Add Consignee
Assign the consignee using one of the following options:
- Quick Assign Consignee for an existing consignee
- Add New Consignee to create a new consignee
Delivery Destination and Third Party Requirements
A Delivery Destination is required in specific scenarios. Use the table below to determine whether one must be added.
| Scenario | Delivery Destination Required? |
|---|---|
| Delivery location differs from consignee address | Yes |
| Consignee address is a PO Box | Yes |
| Freight is delivered directly to a warehouse or terminal | Yes |
| Delivery is made to the consignee physical address | No |
Add a Delivery Destination or Third Party (If Required)
To add a Delivery Destination:
- Click Save on the shipment page
- On the ACI Shipment Details page, use Add 3rd Party to add the destination
A Notify Party may also be added in this section, but is always optional.
Add Commodity
Once all shipment parties are completed, click Save and Add Commodity to enter commodity information.
Enter Commodity Information
On the Add/Edit Commodity for ACI Shipment page, enter the required commodity details, including:
- Description of goods
- Quantity
- Weight
If additional commodities are required, click Create Commodity again to add them.
In most cases, it is recommended to provide a single general commodity description that accurately represents all goods on the shipment, rather than splitting into multiple commodity lines.
When finished, click Save and Back to ACI eManifest.
ACI eManifest Details Page
Returning to the ACI eManifest Details page allows you to review all trip and shipment information entered so far before transmission.
Add Additional Shipments
If the truck contains multiple shipments, click Create New Shipment below the driver section and repeat the shipment process.
All freight on the truck must be declared on a single ACI eManifest.
Transmit ACI eManifest to CBSA
Once all shipments have been entered and reviewed, transmit the manifest to CBSA.
To transmit:
- Open the ACI eManifest Details page
- Click Sync with CBSA at the top of the page
The trip status will change from Draft to Transmitted to CBSA, and transmission records will appear in the History/Status Messages section.
Verify ACI eManifest Acceptance
CBSA response times vary, but acceptance is typically received within 2 to 4 minutes.
Verify acceptance by:
- Refreshing the ACI eManifest Details page, or
- Searching for the manifest using the ACI eManifest Search Page
Once accepted:
- The trip status updates to On File with CBSA
- Acceptance responses appear for the trip and all shipments
ACI eManifest Status Guide
BorderConnect uses visual indicators to clearly display the status of your ACI eManifest.
For a full list of possible statuses and their meanings, see the ACI eManifest Status Guide.
Verify PARS Transaction Numbers
If the shipment includes PARS entries, ensure all PARS transaction numbers are cleared by the customs broker.
If you use BorderConnect PARS:
- Acceptance messages appear in History/Status Messages
- Shipment statuses update to On File With Transaction Numbers
- The trip status updates once all PARS entries are cleared
If you do not use BorderConnect PARS, clearance may be verified by:
- Checking the broker's website
- Contacting the broker directly
- Using another PARS verification service
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⚠️ To comply with ACI eManifest requirements, both the ACI eManifest and broker clearance for any PARS shipments must be on file with CBSA for at least one hour before the driver arrives at the border. |