What Cross-Border Supplies Do I Need And What Are PARS Barcode Labels (DIY Customs Consulting)

This article is part of the Customs Compliance Guide

Crossing into Canada as a commercial highway carrier involves initially providing required documentation and barcode labels, such as an ACI eManifest lead sheet or a PARS barcode label as a scannable barcode is required when crossing into Canada at the first Canadian port of arrival. An ACI eManifest lead sheet can be printed, faxed or emailed directly to the driver using BorderConnect eManifest software. And PARS barcode labels can be ordered and shipped to the highway carrier from BorderPrint.

• Register for BorderConnect ACI eManifest and print ACI eManifest lead sheets from there.
• If you are not a BorderConnect customer, order PARS barcode labels and/or ACI eManifest lead sheets from BorderPrint.

Pre-Arrival Review System (PARS) is a Canadian shipment type for commercial goods to clear through CBSA and on an ACI eManifest, and by a customs broker. Almost all goods are cleared as a PARS shipment unless they specifically qualify for another release type, or are exempted from clearing as a PARS, depending on the scenario.

PARS numbers use a Cargo Control Number (CCN) and highway carriers are required to use sequential PARS barcode labels when assigning it to specific shipments that require clearance by a customs broker.

If a Canadian-bound shipment is arriving under a different release type (other than a PARS), other documentation may be required in addition to an ACI eManifest lead sheet when arriving at the first Canadian port of arrival. Below are some examples as to what is required when crossing with other release types.

• An A8A In-Bond Cargo Control Document is required when arriving to Canada with an In-Bond shipment, a Personal Goods shipment, an ATA Carnet temporary admission shipment, an E29B temporary import bond, and an Orders In Council shipment for example.
• An A8B In-Transit Manifest is required if the highway carrier is a Canadian bonded carrier and plans on bringing commercial goods through Canada (ex. from U.S. to U.S.).
• A CSA Carrier Lead Sheet is required when the highway carrier and driver are both either Customs Self-Assessment (CSA) or Free and Secure Trade (FAST) approved and the driver will be crossing into Canada with a CSA load.

For more information on shipment release types visit the BorderConnect Support Wiki, or to order the required cross-border labels, lead sheets and documents, visit BorderPrint.