PARS (CBSA Shipment Type)

This article is part of the Shipment Release Types Guide

PARS stands for Pre-arrival Review System. It is the standard Canadian Shipment Type for most commercial goods entering Canada by highway carrier through Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and ACI eManifest.

PARS allows the customs broker to submit release information to CBSA before the goods arrive. The carrier files an ACI eManifest using the same shipment identifier so CBSA can connect the broker's release request to the carrier's cargo report.

How PARS works

PARS links two filings:

• the carrier's ACI eManifest cargo report; and
• the broker's CBSA release request.

The PARS number is the common value that allows CBSA to match the carrier's cargo control number to the broker's release request. CBSA describes PARS as a line-release option that lets importers or brokers submit release documents up to 30 days before the goods arrive in Canada, allowing CBSA to process the request and enter a release or referral recommendation before the carrier arrives.

If the number entered on the ACI eManifest does not exactly match the number used by the broker, the shipment can be delayed at the border. The PARS number should match across the barcode label, paperwork sent to the broker, broker release request, and BorderConnect ACI shipment.

PARS number

A PARS number is a type of Cargo Control Number (CCN) assigned by the carrier for pre-arrival release. CBSA guidance states that a cargo control number begins with the carrier code followed by a unique shipment number, and the CCN must not be reused for at least three years.

A PARS number must begin with the carrier's CBSA carrier code and then include the carrier's unique sequence. CBSA’s barcode-label guidance states that, to identify a PARS shipment, the word PARS must appear on the bar-coded label and may be printed either above the barcode or elsewhere on the label.

The word PARS may also be encoded as part of the barcode or printed as text on the paperwork depending on the carrier’s label format. If the word PARS appears in the barcode value or paperwork, it must be entered the same way on the ACI eManifest and broker release request.

Ordering PARS labels

PARS barcode labels from BorderPrint

Carriers can order PARS barcode labels from BorderPrint. BorderPrint offers PARS labels in sheet, roll, and digital download formats, and its PARS label product page states that the labels can be customized with the company name, highway carrier code, and cargo control number sequence.

BorderPrint’s PARS label product page describes PARS as the Canadian shipment type for goods clearing through CBSA and the default shipment type for commercial goods arriving in Canada by highway carrier unless the goods qualify for another shipment type or exemption. BorderPrint also has ACE and ACI lead sheets, and other cross-border documents among its products for highway carriers.

When ordering PARS labels, confirm the correct CBSA carrier code, starting sequence, company name, label format, and whether the word PARS is included in the printed or encoded barcode value. The same PARS number printed on the label must be entered exactly in BorderConnect and provided to the customs broker.

Carrier and broker workflow

The usual PARS workflow is:

1. The carrier picks up the shipment and assigns a unique PARS number.
2. The carrier puts the PARS number or barcode on the commercial paperwork, such as the invoice or bill of lading.
3. The paperwork is sent to the customs broker.
4. The broker files the release request with CBSA using that same PARS number.
5. The carrier creates an ACI eManifest shipment using that same PARS number.
6. CBSA matches the broker release request and carrier cargo report before the truck arrives, allowing the officer to release the goods or refer them for examination.

CBSA’s PARS guidance explains that the officer uses the bar-coded cargo control number on the invoice to access the release recommendation and decide whether the shipment may be released or referred.

Declaring a PARS shipment in ACI eManifest

PARS shipments are reported on an ACI eManifest. To report a PARS shipment in BorderConnect:

1. Create an ACI shipment.
2. Select PARS as the shipment type. In some systems this may also appear as Non-CSA.
3. Enter the PARS number exactly as it appears on the paperwork supplied to the broker.
4. Enter the shipper, consignee, and commodity information normally required for an ACI shipment.
5. Save the shipment and transmit it as part of the ACI eManifest.

Entering a PARS shipment in BorderConnect ACI eManifest

BorderConnect’s ACI tutorial shows the user creating an ACI eManifest with a PARS shipment, entering the CCN/PARS number, adding the shipper, consignee, commodity, truck, driver, and conveyance details, and transmitting the trip to CBSA.

Before the driver goes to the border, confirm that both the ACI eManifest and broker release request are on file. This can be verified with BorderConnect PARS/RNS status checking or directly with the customs broker.

Video tutorial

Creating an ACI eManifest with a PARS shipment in BorderConnect

Timing

For highway shipments, CBSA requires advance electronic cargo and conveyance data to be transmitted and accepted before arrival. The standard highway timing requirement is at least one hour before arrival at the first Canadian port of arrival.

The broker's release request should also be filed and matched before the driver reaches the border. BorderConnect status messages such as release, transaction number, or RNS/PARS updates can help confirm that the PARS is ready.

Troubleshooting

If the PARS is not showing as ready:

• confirm that the broker has filed the release request;
• confirm that the broker used the exact same PARS number or CCN;
• check whether the word PARS is included or omitted consistently;
• check for typos, spaces, dashes, or missing carrier-code characters;
• confirm that the ACI eManifest was transmitted and accepted by CBSA; and
• allow time for CBSA status messages to update after transmission.

Do not send the driver to the border until the carrier and broker have confirmed that the ACI eManifest and broker release request are ready.

Common mistakes

• Reusing a PARS number within the restricted reuse period.
• Sending paperwork to the broker with one PARS number and entering a different number in BorderConnect.
• Including the word PARS in one system but omitting it in another.
• Applying a PARS label with the wrong CBSA carrier code.
• Transmitting the ACI eManifest too close to arrival for the broker release to match.