🔖 This article is part of the Customs Compliance Guide

ACI eManifest (CBSA)

The mandatory electronic pre-arrival information program for commercial highway carriers entering Canada.

Type: Electronic Manifest Region: Canada (CBSA)

Overview

Advance Commercial Information

Advance Commercial Information (ACI) eManifests provide Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers with electronic pre-arrival information. This ensures they are equipped with accurate commercial conveyance and shipment data before the driver arrives at the border.

For highway carriers, this involves filing an electronic manifest at least one hour prior to the driver's arrival at the first Canadian port of entry.

AMPS Penalties: Failing to process an ACI eManifest could result in refused entry into Canada and/or a monetary Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) penalty at the time of arrival.

Required Data Elements

When filing an ACI eManifest, carriers must transmit two distinct sets of data: Conveyance (the truck/trailer) and Shipment (the cargo).

Data Type	Required Fields
Conveyance Information (The Trip)	Conveyance Reference Number (CRN): A unique trip number. Port of Arrival: Where the truck enters Canada. ETA: Estimated time and date of arrival. Equipment: Truck and trailer details (plates, VINs). Cargo Exemptions: If applicable (e.g., Flying Truck, Empty).
Shipment Information (The Cargo)	Cargo Control Number (CCN): Unique shipment identifier (e.g., PARS). Release Type: (e.g., PARS, In-Bond). Parties: Shipper and Consignee names/addresses. Commodity: Description, quantity, weight, and type of packaging. City of Acceptance: Where the carrier took possession of the goods.

How to Register

To register for ACI eManifest, a highway carrier must first have an approved Canadian Highway Carrier Code registered with CBSA.

Step 1: Sign Up with a Service Provider

Once you have your Carrier Code, you can register with an ACI eManifest service provider like BorderConnect. To start a free trial, visit the Registration Page.

Step 2: Provide Company Details

You will need to provide:

Company Info: Legal Name, Carrier Code, SCAC (if applicable), and Head Office address.
Contact Info: Name, Title, Email, and Phone Number of the person registering.

Step 3: CBSA Authorization

Finalizing the registration involves authorizing the service provider to transmit data on your behalf:

1. BorderConnect will generate an ACI Application Form (BSF642). 2. You must sign Section 10 of this document. 3. Send the signed form back to BorderConnect (admin@borderconnect.com). 4. BorderConnect forwards it to the CBSA Technical Commercial Client Unit. 5. Wait Time: Approval typically takes 2-10 business days. You will be notified via email once enabled.

References & Resources