EManifest Processing Guide (ACE and ACI eManifest)
| This article is part of the BorderConnect Customs Compliance Guide |
BorderConnect’s eManifest Processing service provides the ability for customers to fax or email their eManifest details to get processed and sent to customs for them. Many carriers use this as their primary method of filing eManifests. Others use it as an after-hours service. The intent of this guide is to provide you the basics about eManifests, as well as provide some of the best practices when using BorderConnect’s eManifest Processing service.
eManifest Processing Details
BorderConnect’s friendly eManifest Specialists are fully trained on the procedures involved with ACE and ACI eManfiest.
- BorderConnect’s 24/7 eManifest Processing Centre processes approx 7,500 ACE and ACI eManifests a month.
- BorderConnect support agents also support thousands of companies who rely on BorderConnect’s eManifest portal and API customers 24 hours a day.
- BorderConnect’s average eManifest processing time is 6.1 minutes. This may fluctuate based on when we receive the paperwork and how much data is needed to process the manifest.
6.1min processing time based on 2015 and 2016 averages for over 180,000 manifests.
Getting Started
To register for BorderConnect eManifest Processing go to www.borderconnect.com and click Sign Up Now.
- 1. Enter your company details and verify your email. Once that’s been done a sales representative will follow-up with you in 1 business day or less. Or call BorderConnect.
- 2. If you have a valid SCAC code you can start using our service for ACE eManifest immediately.
- 3. If you have a valid Canadian Carrier Code we will send you the documents needed to complete the process with CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency). Once you’ve been approved by CBSA we will activate your account and inform you. This process typically takes 2-5 business days until you can start using our service for ACI eManifest.
Information required for an ACE Manifest
Unique Trip Number required
Port of Arrival required
Estimated Time of Arrival required
Truck required
- Truck Unit Number required
- Truck Type required
- VIN required
- License Plate required
Trailer required if you have trailer
- Trailer Unit Number required
- Trailer License Plate required
- Trailer Type required
Driver & Team Driver required
- Driver Full Name required
- FAST ID if driver is FAST approved
- Date of Birth required if not FAST approved
- Gender required if not FAST approved
- Citizenship required if not FAST approved
- Passenger required if you have a passenger
- Passenger Full Name required
- Date of Birth required
- Citizenship required
- Gender required
Driver/Team Driver/Passenger Travel Documents Accepted:
- Commercial Drivers License Passport/US Passport Card
- Enhanced Drivers License NEXUS Card
- FAST Card Valid US VISA Card
For more information on approved WHTI Documents visit: http://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/western-hemisphere-travel-initiative
Information required for ACE Manifest shipment
Required Shipment Data Elements:
Unique Shipment Control Number required
Shipment Type required
Shipper (Shipped From) required
- Shipper Name required
- Full Address required
Consignee (Destination) required
- Consignee Name required
- Full Address required
Commodity Information required
- Description of Goods required
- Quantity required
- Gross Weight required
Hazardous Material Details required if hazardous
- Hazmat UN Code required if hazardous
- Emergency Contact Info required if hazardous
| In order to comply with ACE Manifest requirements you are required to ensure that both your manifest and the broker clearance on any PAPS shipments are on file with CBP before the driver arrives at the border. |
Information required for an ACI eManifest
Unique Conveyance Reference Number required and must be different than PARS number
Port of Entry required
Estimated Date and Time of Arrival required
Sub Location/Warehouse required if going In-Bond
Truck required
- Truck Unit Number required
- Truck Type not required
- VIN not required
- License Plate required
Trailer required if you have trailer
- Trailer Unit Number required
- Trailer License Plate required
- Trailer Type required
Driver & Team Driver not required Passenger not required
For more information on what’s required for ACI eManifests visit: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/aci-manif-ipec/req-exig-eng.html#tab3
Information required for ACI Manifest shipment
Unique Cargo Control Number required and must be different than Conveyance Reference Number (Trip Number)
Shipment Type required
Sub Location/Warehouse required if going In-Bond
CSA Importer Business Number required if CSA
Shipper (Shipped From) required
- Shipper Name required
- Full Address required
Consignee (Destination) required
- Consignee Name required
- Full Address required
Commodity Information required
- Description of Goods required
- Quantity required
- Gross Weight required
Hazardous Material Details required if hazardous
- Hazmat UN Code required if hazardous
- Emergency Contact Info required if hazardous
| In order to comply with ACI eManifest requirements you are required to ensure that both your manifest and the broker clearance on any PARS shipments are on file with CBSA for at least one hour before the driver arrives at the border. |
Travel Document Requirements
The following are accepted travel documents for ACE
Any approved WHTI (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative) Document
- Valid Passport or Passport Card
- Valid Enhanced Drivers License
- Valid FAST or NEXUS Card
The following are accepted travel documents for ACI
Examples of some approved travel documents for ACI:
- Proof of Citizenship (ie citizenship card, passport/passport card)
- Valid Drivers License
- Permanent Resident Card (ie US VISA card)
- Birth Certificate
- INAC (Native American ID)
- Any approved WHTI Document (ie enhanced drivers license, FAST Card, NEXUS Card)
Tips and Common Mistakes To Avoid
Include driver or dispatch phone number on the fax form.
- If BorderConnect is missing information, or info needs to be clarified we must be able to reach someone in regards to the information on the fax form.
In ACI you must wait 1 hour after your eManfiest has been accepted by CBSA.
- CBSA has initiated a zero-tolerance policy. To find out when you will be cleared to cross you can contact BorderConnect 24/7.
Make sure to send paperwork to the customs broker first, and make sure they received and processed your entry.
- Brokers can take hours to process entries. Verify the broker used the correct shipment number and that the entry is certified by customs before you cross.
In ACI you must provide a barcoded lead sheet or cargo control number to the officer at the border.
- If you do not provide a barcoded CRN or CCN you may be at risk for penalties. A lead sheet can be requested simply by providing a fax back number or email on your fax form.
Print legibly, or use the digitally fillable .pdf fax form.
- If incorrect data is entered, or data is missing, delays and penalties may be assessed by CBP or CBSA.
In ACI, the Trip Number must not be the same as the PARS number.
- CBSA requires the CRN (Trip Number) to be unique, and it cannot match any existing Cargo Control Number (ie PARS number).
Always call to confirm the paperwork was received by BorderConnect.
- Please provide adequate time for BorderConnect to receive your fax or email. BorderConnect uses multiple fax servers and it could take up to 10 minutes for BorderConnect to receive the paperwork.
If you are unsure of something or have questions. Call BorderConnect.
- Many mistakes can be avoided or resolved with a quick phone call to one of our support agents. BorderConnect can be reached 24/7.