Sub Location (Canadian Shipments)
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🔖 This article is part of the Customs Compliance Guide |
Sublocation Code (CBSA)
A unique identifier for CBSA-approved sufferance warehouses used for in-bond movements.
Overview
A Sublocation Code (often referred to as a Warehouse Code) is a code assigned to a CBSA-approved warehouse facility where a specific cargo report will be acquitted and the goods will be authorized to deliver.[1]
The sublocation code is mandatory for In Bond shipments into Canada. It serves a critical function by telling the CBSA exactly where the goods will be bonded to (and physically located) while they await customs release.
BorderConnect Tip: Carriers using BorderConnect's ACI software can find a sublocation code by simply typing either the name of the warehouse or the code itself into the Sublocation field.
Usage in ACI eManifest
In ACI eManifest, the sublocation is a specific data field that must be transmitted under certain conditions.
When to Transmit
- In Bond Shipments (Mandatory): If you are declaring a shipment as "In Bond," you must provide the sublocation code of the destination warehouse (or the export warehouse if moving in-transit).
- PARS Shipments (Recommended): It is highly advised to transmit a sublocation code even for PARS shipments.
Why Include it on PARS?
If a PARS shipment fails to release at the border (e.g., the broker hasn't sent the entry), the officer may choose to move the shipment In Bond. If a sublocation code was already transmitted on the original manifest, the officer can update the status immediately. If it is missing, the carrier may be forced to amend their manifest or face delays while the information is added.
Finding Approved Codes
Carriers must ensure they are using a valid, CBSA-approved sublocation code. Using an incorrect code can lead to rejects or invalid entries.
- CBSA Official List: The CBSA maintains a list of approved sufferance warehouses and their codes. You can view the list here.
- BorderConnect Lookup: The software includes a built-in search tool that validates codes against the CBSA database in real-time.