CBP: Multiple Consignees and/or Consolidated Entries

(Ministère des Transports, Québec)

You will find attached an information notice sent by US Customs and Border Protection at Champlain. The document provides indications for the use of the electronic manifest by truck carriers when multiple shippers or consignees are involved. It doesn’t create new requirements but bring clarifications and answers frequently asked questions about the US manifest.

Also, we remind you that the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) electronic manifest will progressively be implemented from October 31st. By this date, highway carriers may begin to transmit their information through the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) system.

The complete implementation timeline as well as many other information about the manifest are available on the CBSA web site here.

ACI eManifest Roll-Out Delayed Again

(Deanna Pagnan – Canadian Trucking Alliance)

Implementation postponed by one month to Oct. 31

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has announced that it is again delaying the implementation of the ACI eManifest program for the highway mode, this time by one month from September 30th to October 31st, 2010. ACI eManifest was initially slated to roll out in June of this year, but was pushed to September to allow CBSA to ensure the integrity of the program given the volumes of data being transmitted by highway carriers. According to CBSA the reason for the most recent delay is related to the software of other commercial programs, not ACI.

According to Jason Proceviat, CBSA’s eManifest Director, “While ACI is ready to go, we bundle some commercial programs together, and there are a few delays from other areas that need to be addressed before we can go live.”

Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) CEO David Bradley said "the trucking industry understands the challenges involved in implementing such a complex program, but we are frustrated by the latest delay.” He said he hopes CBSA will meet the new implementation date. “Carriers are seeking improved efficiencies at the border,” he said. “This includes electronic transmission of data through ACI, and we are looking forward to implementation sooner rather than later. We want to avoid the stop-start pattern that characterized implementation of the ACE eManifest program in the US.”

There is a keen interest from the trucking industry in getting the program rolled out. Carriers have been preparing for ACI eManifest for a number of years now. In fact, close to a hundred carriers approached CBSA just to participate in the early testing of ACI. CTA has been working closely on the development of the program and believes it will have a beneficial impact on cross-border efficiency.

eManifest – Making the Border Smarter & More Secure

(CBSA)

After several years of planning and significant consultations, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is set to launch eManifest – one of the Agency’s largest undertakings to strengthen our nation’s security and at the same time modernize and improve commercial border processes.

When fully implemented, eManifest will require all commercial import trade partners (carriers, freight forwarders and importers) in all modes of transportation (air, marine, highway and rail) to electronically submit advance trade data to the CBSA for risk assessment purposes.

By risk assessing pre-arrival information, health, safety and security threats related to commercial shipments can be identified before the goods arrive in Canada. The CBSA can then focus its resources on those people, goods and conveyances posing the greatest risk to the security and prosperity of Canada.

eManifest will result in an improved commercial process that rewards compliance with predictable and expedited processing at the border. …

The complete article covers:

• Advance trade data requirements
• Before the border
• Implementation timeline
• Key implementation dates
• Early adopters
• Client support
• Technical support unit

For the most up-to-date information on eManifest, visit the eManifest section of the CBSA’s Web site regularly or subscribe to the CBSA RSS news feed.

Updates on eManifest Web Content

(CBSA)

The Electronic Commerce Client Requirements Document (ECCRD) for highway is now available on the eManifest section of the CBSA’s Web site here.

The eManifest section of the CBSA’s Web site has a new structure and includes new information on implementation, time frames for submitting advance information, client support / contact information as well as an eManifest Portal fact sheet.

Canada’s eManifest is Coming! Will You Be Ready? – New Dates & Locations

(I.E.Canada & the Canadian Trucking Alliance)

Ottawa – May 25
London – May 27
Saskatoon – June 14
Calgary – June 15

In June 2010, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will begin testing with highway carriers in preparation for accepting electronic manifests containing cargo and conveyance data in September 2010 (pursuant to revised schedule announced by CBSA on March 11, 2010). Unprecedented cooperation amongst all parties in the supply chain will be critical to ensuring that the right information gets to the right place at the right time to avoid delays crossing the border.

I.E.Canada, the Canadian Trucking Alliance and provincial trucking associations are partnering in this series of hands on workshops. Led by Oryst Dydynsky of The Descartes Systems Group Inc., an industry leader and Co-Chair of I.E.Canada’s Customs and Legislation Committee, and Jason Proceviat of CBSA, each workshop will include an overview of the eManifest highway initiative and the new requirements, as well as an interactive walk-through exercise to highlight the process changes that will be required of carriers, freight forwarders, importers and their brokers.

Attendees will learn:

• step by step how the new process will work;
• changes carriers, freight forwarders, importers and brokers will need to make in order to prepare;
• CBSA’s expectations of each trade partner and how to ensure you will be ready to comply;
• available options for submitting information to CBSA; and
• CBSA’s client service strategy and plans for EDI transmission and Web Portal.

More information, and registration form can be found here.

Canada Customs Delays Rollout of ACI e-Manifest System

(Today’s Trucking)

The requirement for carriers to submit manifest information electronically to Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for shipments coming to Canada has been postponed.

According to the Canadian Trucking Alliance, the Advanced Commercial Information (ACI) Highway eManifest was scheduled to begin in June 2010. But CBSA has indicated that a delay to implementation is necessary to ensure systems are adequately tested and prepared.

In recent meetings with the CBSA, the trucking group indicated support for a delay to the project as a more favorable option than rolling out an initiative that is not ready.

“CTA supports getting it right the first time with realistic deadlines,” says CTA CEO David Bradley. “Implementing a process without the systems, staff and infrastructure to support the program helps no one. By delaying the project, CBSA is doing the right thing,” added Bradley.

Feedback from carriers has ranged from policy concerns such as the inbond movement of goods, to end state design issues such as changes and amendments to manifest information post arrival, says CTA.

CBSA has indicated that the system will be available for testing by industry in June 2010, but the project launch will not be until September.

The delay to the highway manifest project affects other sectors of the trade community, including the importer, freight forwarder and rail pieces of the project. CBSA has not yet committed to a timeline for the implementation of these associated projects.

ACI Highway eManifest Preparation & Compliance Workshop

(IE Canada)

Trans-Canada Series: March 29 – April
Locations: Moncton, Montreal, Markham, Cambridge, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Vancouver

In June 2010, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will begin accepting electronic manifests containing cargo and conveyance data from highway carriers. Unprecedented cooperation amongst all parties in the supply chain will be critical to ensuring that the right information gets to the right place at the right time to avoid delays crossing the border.

I.E.Canada, the Canadian Trucking Alliance and provincial trucking associations are partnering in this series of hands on workshops across Canada. Led by Oryst Dydynsky of The Descartes Systems Group Inc., an industry leader and Co-Chair of I.E.Canada’s Customs and Legislation Committee, and Jason Proceviat of CBSA, each workshop will include an overview of the eManifest highway initiative and the new requirements, as well as an interactive walk-through exercise to highlight the process changes that will be required of carriers, freight forwarders, importers and their brokers.

For further details or to register contact: Jesse Arsenault, 416-595-5333 ext. 37

eManifest Implementation Timeline Fact Sheet

(CBSA)

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will implement eManifest over a number of years, by client type, using an 18-month implementation timeline outlined here.

Regional eManifest Coordinators

(CBSA)

At the Border Commercial Consultative Committee (BCCC) meeting, held on September 29 and 30 in Ottawa, it was suggested that the contact information of the regional eManifest coordinators be provided to trade members. We encourage you to contact the regional coordinators listed below as they are available to provide you with information, as well as more formal presentations, related to the eManifest initiative.

If you have any questions regarding this information, please contact Kathleen Pomrenke by email kathleen.pomrenke@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca or by phone at 613-941-5587.

Atlantic
Colette Pelletier-Langevin: C.Pelletier-Langevin@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca Tel: 506-739-1839

Quebec
Loana Villa: Loana.Villa@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca Tel: 514-283-8700 (ext./poste 8351)

Northern Ontario
Rosa Febbraro: Rosa.Febbraro@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca Tel: 705-941-3051

Greater Toronto Area
Michelle McCrum: Michelle.McCrum@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca Tel: 905-803-7205

Windsor/St.Clair
Sherry McCauley: Sherry.McCauley@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca Tel: 519-967-4208

Niagara/Fort Erie
Debbie Smyth: Debbie.Smyth@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca Tel: 905-994-6004

Prairie
Liz Pasieczka: Liz.Pasieczka@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca Tel: 204-983-6923

Pacific
Lorraine Kopetzki: Lorraine.Kopetzki@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca Tel: 250-363-3414

Client Document for Advance Commercial Information (ACI) / eManifest Highway Mode

(CBSA)

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has finalized the initial version of the Electronic Commerce Client Requirements Document (ECCRD) for EDI Highway Cargo and Conveyance.

The ECCRD can be found here, and appendices here and here.

Please note that CBSA has indicated that the ECCRD will be updated as additional functionality is added. For example, the current version does not address “flying” trucks; secondary (freight forwarder) data; full match notification; and broker/freight forwarder download.

e-Manifest: Trucks

(CBP)

Newly updated step-by step instructions (PDF) on how to create and submit an electronic manifest are provided. Additional information on registering Crew, Conveyance and Equipment is also included.

US Tightens Customs Procedures

(Mike Young — IFW Net)

Trade with the US will be subject to more stringent Customs procedures for e-manifests from 25 April.

US Customs and Border Protection said individuals transporting goods across land and sea borders under an e-manifest must comply with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative’s rules on identification documents from 26 April.

The agency will issue a warning message to shippers which fail to comply with the new regulations.

From 1 June the warning message will be replaced by a rejection of the e-manifest if it is submitted without the correct documentation, such as a US passport or passport card.

Previously US borders could be cleared using a range of documents including birth certificates and driving licenses. Read more here (subscription)

CBSA to Retain In-Bond Option for Cross-Border Carriers

(Truck News)

The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) is declaring victory after successfully lobbying for the allowance of in-bond Customs clearance when the Advanced Commercial Information System (ACI)/e-Manifest program is rolled out.

Until recently, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) had suggested it would not allow goods to be moved in-bond for later clearance if all paperwork was not filed in advance by the owners of the cargo. Instead, trucks would have been turned back at the border, which would have proven costly for carriers – especially LTL carriers hauling freight for multiple shippers on a single trailer.

CTA argued that removing the in-bond option would negatively impact the entire supply chain. And eventually, CBSA agreed. The border agency said it would retain the in-bond option for carriers that participate in low-risk programs such as FAST, PIP, CSA or C-TPAT.

“By continuing to allow low-risk carriers the ability to move goods in-bond to clear customs at a secure inland facility the CBSA is demonstrating a clear commitment to conduct enhanced risk assessment without unduly impeding trade,” said CTA chief David Bradley.

New China Advanced Manifest Rules

(American Shipper)

The new rules require the manifest for all cargo imported or transshipped into China to be submitted to China Customs electronically 24 hours prior to loading of cargo at foreign ports for container ships. Non-container ships must submit the electronic manifest 24 hours before arrival at the first port of call. For export cargo from China, the pre-stowage manifest must be filed 24 hours prior to loading of cargo at mainland China ports and a final manifest, the loading manifest, must be submitted 30 minutes prior to loading.

China Customs will screen the information and advise vessel operators whether they can accept cargo. Vessels carrying un-manifested or rejected cargo may be refused entry to or exit from Chinese ports. Reasons for subjecting goods to a “No Discharge” order include quarantine regulations, drug enforcement or national safety.

Most ocean and air carriers have details on their website about how the advanced manifest rules will affect their customers. Read more here.

eManifest Newsletter: First Edition (Fall 2008)

(CSCB)

The CBSA has published its first eManifest Newsletter. This is a biannual publication to help keep the trade community informed about the eManifest initiative and is available on the CBSA website here.

‘No Paper, Thanks’

(Air Cargo News)

Swiss WorldCargo has been selected by IATA to pioneer the introduction of a new ‘e-freight’ facility. To recognise its status, Swiss is introducing a new motto: ‘No paper, thanks!’ From the beginning of 2009 Swiss will record and handle cargo consignments in electronic form.

“We are honoured to be chosen by IATA to trial e-freight in a practical working environment and help this new facility achieve its worldwide breakthrough as swiftly as possible,” said Markus Loeffler, senior manager e-freight, Swiss WorldCargo.

“We see our selection as a ‘paperless pioneer’ by the airline sector’s umbrella organisation as a clear confirmation that Swiss WorldCargo is one of our industry’s most innovative cargo service providers. But we also view it as an incentive and a commitment to further refine this forward-looking cargo handling approach.”

The new e-freight facility will initially be introduced at Zurich Airport – again on IATA’s initiative. In practical terms, this means that not only Swiss WorldCargo, but all the parties involved in the local logistics chain will exchange their consignment details online.

IATA’s overall aim is to ensure that air cargo consignments are handled electronically as extensively as possible by the end of 2010.

“E-freight represents a quantum leap in the air cargo sector,” said Oliver Evans, chief cargo officer at Swiss International Air Lines. “And as one of its pioneering practitioners, Swiss WorldCargo will be playing a key role in ushering-in this new paperless era.”

ACE e-Manifest Updates

(U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

The following updates (in PDF format) are now available:

QP in-bond to post to PAPS shipment release type, scheduled implementation date February 2, 2008.

Carriers to report arrival and export of I.E.s, I.Ts & T&Es, scheduled implementation date March, 2008.

Conveyance Harmonization, scheduled implementation date February 2, 2008.

U.S. CBP Announces Completion of Nationwide Truck Manifest Automation

(U.S. Customs & Border Protection)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection finished installation of Automated Commercial Environment electronic truck processing capabilities Nov. 7 at the Piegan, Mont., port of entry. Now all 99 land border ports are capable of processing e-manifests.

The ACE e-manifest capability consolidates previously separate cargo release systems into a single, integrated computer interface for CBP officers and allows truck carriers to prepare and submit electronic truck manifests prior to arrival at a land border port of entry. With advance access to truck cargo information, CBP officers are able to pre-screen trucks and shipments, dedicating more time to inspecting suspicious cargo without delaying the border crossings of legitimate carriers.

E-manifests are also more efficient with an average processing time 33 seconds faster than a traditional paper manifest.

“Equipping every United States land border port of entry with the capability to process e-manifests is a significant milestone that advances the CBP mission of ensuring border security while simultaneously facilitating legitimate trade,” said Louis Samenfink, executive director for the CBP cargo systems program office.

On average, CBP officers process more than 30,000 trucks per day using ACE. Ninety-nine percent of manifests are now filed electronically at all ports. Currently, filing is mandatory at all land border ports in Arizona, California, Idaho, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Texas, Vermont and Washington. CBP eventually will mandate the e-manifest policy to include every land border port.

AAEI ACE e-Manifest Seminar

ACE e-Manifest: Policy and Operations
Warren, Michigan — October 17, 2007

The American Association of Exporters & Importers is holding an ACE/e-Manifest Seminar in Warren Michigan on October 17, 2007. This is a unique opportunity to hear from Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Canadian trade experts, and both Importers/Exporters and service providers all in one place!

The luncheon keynote speaker will be James Swanson, Chief, Cargo Release Branch, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

There is still space left to register for AAEI’s upcoming seminar “ACE e-Manifest: Policy and Operations” at http://www.aaei.org/. The registration fee is $300 for AAEI members and $450 for non-members. Any questions should be directed to AAEI’s Director of Government Affairs, Megan Wilson, at mwilson@aaei.org or (202) 857-8009 x 102.