A49 Automotive Release (CBSA Shipment Type)
|
🔖 This article is part of the Shipment Release Types Guide |
An A49 Automotive Release (Form A49 – Automotive Report & Release Document) is a CBSA automotive line-release reporting method used in the highway mode for eligible automotive production and service parts imported for:
- Chrysler Canada Ltd.
- Ford Motor Company of Canada Limited
- General Motors of Canada Limited
The A49 process allows qualifying automotive shipments to move quickly through the border using pre-approved automotive line-release procedures.
What Qualifies for A49 Release
Only goods that meet the definition of automotive production or service goods are eligible for A49 release.
| Eligible Goods | Examples |
|---|---|
| Production Parts | Assembly-line components, OEM production parts |
| Service Parts | Warranty parts, dealer replacement parts |
Goods That Do NOT Qualify
Shipments containing non-production or miscellaneous goods are not eligible for A49 release, even if destined to a participating automotive manufacturer.
| Non-Eligible Goods | Examples |
|---|---|
| Office / Administrative | Stationery, office supplies |
| Engineering / Development | Prototypes, pilot parts, blueprints |
| Equipment | Machinery, tooling equipment |
| Other | Computers, empty racks, non-production materials |
|
⚠️ If a shipment includes both eligible and non-eligible goods, it cannot be released using the A49 process. |
Declaring an A49 Shipment in ACI eManifest
All A49 shipments must be reported electronically on an ACI eManifest.
To declare an A49 shipment, the carrier must:
- Create an ACI Shipment designated as non-CSA
- Select A49 Automotive Release as the shipment type (if using BorderConnect)
- Transmit the shipment as part of the ACI eManifest prior to arrival
Required Shipment Information
Although an A49 shipment is different from a PARS shipment, the carrier must still provide all standard ACI shipment data.
| Required Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Cargo Control Number (CCN) | Unique CCN with bar code |
| Shipper | Name and address |
| Consignee | Automotive manufacturer or approved recipient |
| Commodity Description | Automotive production or service parts |
A49 Documentation at the Border
At the First Port of Arrival (FPOA), the driver must present a properly completed Form A49 for the shipment.
The A49 must include:
- Carrier code
- Trailer or railcar number
- Supplier shipment line details
- Accurate conveyance and shipment information
CBSA may refer the shipment to secondary examination if:
- Required fields are missing
- Information is illegible
- The shipment does not meet A49 eligibility requirements
|
⚠️ For highway ACI/eManifest shipments, the conveyance (trip) must be transmitted, received, and validated by CBSA at least one (1) hour prior to arrival at the First Port of Arrival. |
Summary: A49 at a Glance
| Topic | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Mode | Highway |
| Eligible Importers | Chrysler, Ford, GM (Canada) |
| Goods | Automotive production and service parts only |
| ACI Required | Yes |
| Paper Form Required | Yes – Form A49 at the border |
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 CBSA – Form A49 (Automotive Report & Release Document) https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/a49-eng.html
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 CBSA Memorandum D17-3-1 – The New Automotive System – Highway Mode https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d17/d17-3-1-eng.html
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 CBSA – ACI/eManifest Highway ECCRD https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/eccrdhi-deccerout-eng.html
- ↑ CBSA – Cargo control and bar-coded labels https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/carrier-transporteur/codes-labels-etiquette-eng.html