ACI eManifest: Proof Of Report And Proof Of Release - Know The Difference

Prior to ACI eManifest, a CBSA stamp on a carrier's PARS document acted as both Proof of Report and Proof of Release. With the implementation of ACI eManifest, this is no longer the case.

Reporting:

All goods imported or moving in transit through Canada must be reported to Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) at the First Port of Arrival (FPOA) in Canada. Submission of electronic ACI eManifest data within the prescribed pre-arrival timeframes, when combined with the arrival of conveyance (truck) in Canada satisfies the requirement for Report of Goods as per Section 12.(1) of the Customs Act.

When the truck arrives at the FPOA, the Border Services Officer will arrive the conveyance (truck) in the CBSA system. The CBSA acknowledges the arrival of the conveyance (truck) by sending an electronic notification to the operator of the truck as identified by the CBSA Carrier Code on the Conveyance report or lead sheet submitted by the driver to the Border Services Officer at the FPOA. This electronic message indicates the carrier has met their obligation to report under Section 12(1) of the Customs Act for all shipments (Cargo Control Numbers) detailed on the cargo submissions that are linked to that truck. The Border Services Officer (BSO) will also stamp the conveyance report, commonly referred to as an ACI lead sheet, providing the carrier with physical proof that they have met this obligation.

Release:

Release of goods reported at the FPOA must have a release document submitted by the importer or customs broker to the CBSA at the port which is linked to the CCN reported on the conveyance report. CBSA will transmit notification of release via the Release Notification System (RNS) to participants, indicating whether each shipment has been released. The RNS message is associated to the CCN on the truck. This RNS message is Proof of Release of the goods. CBSA will continue to stamp each individual Cargo Control Document which also represents Proof of Release. This must be at the request of the driver and depending on the number of cargo documents, this may not be done at the primary inspection booth. The driver may be referred inside for this action to occur.

Proof:

CBSA will only accept the following as proof:

Proof Of Report

• Stamped ACI Lead sheet; or
• Section 12(1) report from Portal or Third Party service Provider or EDI.

Proof Of Release

• CBSA stamp on each individual cargo control document; or
• RNS messaging through a 3rd party Service Provider or EDI

ACI eManifest Pre-Arrival Changes And Post Arrival Amendments

We strongly encourage highway carriers that are not participants in the Release Notification System (RNS) to advise their drivers to insist on having each and every PARS stamped at the Canadian border.

Our Border Pro for Carriers eManifest filing services can assist you in submitting all relevant information to Canada Customs within the required time period to ensure your trucks cross the border as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Have questions?

If you have any questions about ACI eManifest, please do not hesitate to contact our Carrier Relations Liaison at 855.542.6644 or via email at carrierhelpdesk@pcb.ca.

Want to learn more about ACI eManifest?

Our ACI eManifest Seminars and Webinars are 90-minute sessions where we answer questions, offer practical solutions and help with the ACI eManifest regulations in effect. For details and to register »