How To Register With BorderConnect
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🔖 This article is part of the BorderConnect Software User Guide and the Customs Compliance Guide |
How to Register With BorderConnect
Registering with BorderConnect lets highway carriers transmit electronic manifests to Canadian and U.S. customs authorities. Before registering, make sure you've completed the required government onboarding (such as obtaining a valid Carrier Code for CBSA or SCAC for CBP). See Onboarding for BorderConnect for those prerequisites.
When you access the BorderConnect registration wizard, the form requests a combination of company details, contact information, and login credentials. Each item supports compliance, data accuracy, and connection to government systems.
Step 1 — Choose Your Services
The first part of the registration form asks which services you intend to use, such as:
- ACE eManifest
- ACI eManifest
- RNS (PARS) tracking
- eManifest API integration
- U.S. In-Bond Manager
- QP In-Bond Filing
- 24-Hour eManifest Processing (fax/email service)
Selecting services up front ensures your account is configured with the correct workflows and features.
Step 2 — Company Information
| Field | Why It’s Required |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Appears on manifests and identifies your legal business entity |
| Canadian Carrier Code | Links your company to CBSA for ACI eManifest filing |
| SCAC Code | Links your company to CBP for ACE manifest submissions |
Accurate carrier identifiers are essential to avoid rejected transmissions.
Step 3 — Head Office & Billing Address
| Field | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Business Address | Used for verification, correspondence, and billing |
| Phone & Email | Used for system alerts and support communication |
| Time Zone | Ensures accurate timestamps and deadline tracking |
Step 4 — Primary Contact
The primary contact becomes the main account administrator.
Information collected includes:
- Name
- Title
- Email address
- Phone number
This ensures BorderConnect can reach your company quickly if issues arise.
Step 5 — Create Your Login
You will create:
- Username
- Password
- Optional two-factor authentication
This protects your manifest data and account security.
Step 6 — Finalize Registration
After submitting:
- You will receive an email to verify your account
- Your services will be activated based on selections
Additional activation for ACI and RNS services
If you selected ACI eManifest and/or RNS (PARS) tracking, final activation requires completing government registration documents.
BorderConnect will:
- Send you the required ACI and RNS registration forms
- Provide clear step-by-step instructions on how to complete them
You will:
- Fill out the documents using your company information
- Return the completed forms to BorderConnect as instructed
Once submitted, BorderConnect registers your company with the appropriate CBSA systems on your behalf.
Typical activation timeline:
- ACI and RNS services may take approximately 2 to 10 business days to become fully active after forms are submitted
You will be notified once each service is live and ready for use.
Additional activation for U.S. In-Bond Manager and QP In-Bond Filing
To use U.S. In-Bond Manager and/or QP In-Bond Filing, a CBP filer code is required.
The filer code is issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and authorizes your company to electronically file in-bond transactions.
BorderConnect will:
- Provide you with a Letter of Intent required by CBP
- Include clear instructions on how to complete and sign the document
You will:
- Sign the Letter of Intent
- Return it to BorderConnect as instructed
BorderConnect will then submit the filer code request to CBP on your behalf.
Typical processing timeline:
- Filer code applications generally take approximately 5 to 20 business days to be processed by CBP
Once issued, you can freely use BorderConnect’s U.S. In-Bond tools.
Additional setup for 24-Hour eManifest Processing (fax/email service)
If you selected 24-Hour eManifest Processing, BorderConnect will provide you with standardized ACE and ACI eManifest forms.
These forms:
- Are designed to capture all required government manifest data
- Can be completed digitally or filled out by hand
- Follow CBSA and CBP data requirements exactly
You will:
- Complete the forms for each shipment or trip
- Send them by fax or email to BorderConnect’s processing team
BorderConnect staff will:
- Enter the data into the electronic systems on your behalf
- Transmit the manifests to CBSA and/or CBP
- Confirm acceptance and compliance timing
This service is ideal for companies that prefer not to file directly in the system or need after-hours support.
Why BorderConnect Collects This Information
BorderConnect connects directly to customs systems in Canada and the United States.
The information you provide allows:
- Accurate manifest submissions
- Proper carrier identification
- Compliance timing enforcement
- Secure access control