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Implementing eManifest
Features / En vedette
Implementation Timeline
The CBSA recognizes that it will take time for the trade community to adjust to the new reporting requirements. Therefore, eManifest will be implemented over a number of years, by client type, using an 18-month implementation timeline.
0-12 months - Once all eManifest reporting systems (Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and eManifest Portal) become publicly available, there will be a 12-month period for clients to incorporate eManifest requirements into their business processes.
12-18 months - After the initial year, the eManifest regulations will take effect; however the CBSA will offer a six-month period of informed compliance.
18 months and beyond - The implementation timeline is complete. Clients may be subject to administrative monetary penalties (AMPs) for non-compliance.
Key implementation dates are:
- September 2010 – Highway carriers may begin EDI transmission of cargo and conveyance data.
- Winter 2011 – Highway carriers may begin to use the eManifest Portal for transmission of cargo and conveyance data.
- Winter 2011 – Rail carriers may begin transmission of cargo and conveyance data.
- Summer 2011 – Freight forwarders may begin transmission of secondary cargo / house bill data.
- Spring 2012 – Importers may begin transmission of importer data in the marine mode.
Implementation by Client Type
Highway carriers
Current CBSA options for EDI data transmission will include an eManifest function beginning in September 2010. To facilitate compliance and make the transition from paper to electronic reporting more manageable for small- and medium-sized enterprises, the CBSA will offer an eManifest Portal service option beginning in winter 2011. Although EDI users can begin transmitting eManifest information in September 2010, the 18-month implementation timeline for all highway carriers to transmit cargo and conveyance data will begin in winter 2011.
Rail carriers
In winter 2011, the 18-month implementation timeline will begin for rail carriers to transmit cargo and conveyance data.
Freight forwarders
In summer 2011, the 18-month implementation timeline will begin for freight forwarders in all modes of transportation to transmit secondary cargo / house bill data.
Importers
In spring 2012, the 18-month implementation timeline will begin for importers in the marine mode to begin transmission of advance trade data (formerly called Importer Admissibility Data or IAD).
Early Adopters
The CBSA encourages clients to adopt eManifest requirements early within each implementation timeline. Being an early adopter will allow businesses to benefit from opportunities to streamline business practices and operational efficiency. With more time to fine-tune business processes and correct problems before requirements become mandatory, businesses will reduce the likelihood of penalties once regulations come into force.
Options for Sending Advance Trade Data to the CBSA
To transmit advance trade data to the CBSA, clients will have five communication options to choose from. They can either submit data using the existing Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) methods:
Or
Choose to use the eManifest Portal, which will be available for highway carriers in winter 2011.
Direct Connect to the CBSA
The Direct Connect option provides clients with a direct connection to the CBSA's host system, without having to go through a third party or the Internet. This option requires an initial investment to set up and annual maintenance fees. These costs are determined when the client, in consultation with the CBSA, has selected the type of direct method to be used. For technical details, contact the EDI Hotline at 1-888-957-7224.
Customs Internet Gateway
The Customs Internet Gateway (CIG) was developed by the CBSA to provide clients with a method of transmitting and receiving data over the Internet. To use this option, clients must first become Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) subscribers, which provides for the security and integrity of the data. Clients will also be required to use specific encryption and decryption software which will be made available once the client has applied to become a CIG participant. Additionally, CIG participants will be required to purchase or develop the protocol software to connect to the CIG. Under this option, data must be transmitted from a Canadian office as the PKI certificate is only assigned to a device in Canada.
Note: PKI subscribers must be Canadian. For more information on becoming a CIG participant, visit the CIG section of the CBSA Web site.
Value Added Network (VAN)
A VAN is a public EDI network for companies to input and exchange data. It provides companies dealing with a large number of trading partners with the opportunity to exchange information with one another using a single communication interface. VANs also offer a wide range of services for clients to choose from. The costs for clients vary depending on the VAN. For a list of VANs, go to the CBSA Web site.
Service Provider
There are many CBSA-approved third party service providers who currently transmit data on behalf of clients to the CBSA using one or more of the available EDI communication methods. Services, features and associated costs vary by service provider. For a list of service providers, go the CBSA Web site.
eManifest Portal
The eManifest Portal is a secure, bilingual option developed primarily for small- and medium-sized enterprises to facilitate compliance and make the transition from paper to electronic reporting more manageable. Larger carrier companies that use eManifest EDI transmission options may also wish to have a Portal account as an alternative method of communicating with the CBSA. Please refer to the eManifest Portal fact sheet for additional information.
Note: The CBSA does not endorse any particular product since its responsibility is limited to making this information available to clients. Any decision on transmission services is the client's and any agreement to purchase is strictly between the vendor and clients. The cost associated with complying with eManifest requirements will vary, based on volume of trade and the communication mechanism selected. The client is responsible for all transmission costs to the CBSA.
If you have questions about commercial EDI transactions, contact the CBSA's Electronic Commerce Unit.
Time Frames for Submitting Pre-Arrival Information
The pre-arrival information provided by trade partners is matched and risk assessed before shipments arrive at the border. When eManifest is fully implemented, pre-arrival information must be received by the CBSA within the prescribed time frames as shown in the chart below.
| Marine | Air | Rail | Highway | Risk Assessment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carriers to provide electronic cargo, conveyance and crew/passenger information according to time frames shown at right | Cargo: 24 hours prior to loading or arrival depending on type and origin of goods Crew/Conveyance: 24 or 96 hours prior to arrival |
4 hours prior to arrival or at time of departure | 2 hours prior to arrival | 1 hour prior to arrival | The CBSA will validate data, risk assess the shipment, and make examination recommendations prior to arrival of the shipment in Canada. |
| Freight forwarders to provide electronic secondary information according to time frames shown at right | 24 hours prior to loading or arrival depending on type and origin of goods | 4 hours prior to arrival or at time of departure | 2 hours prior to arrival | 1 hour prior to arrival | |
| Importers to provide electronic advance trade data according to time frames shown at right | 24 hours prior to loading or arrival depending on type and origin of goods | 4 hours prior to arrival or at time of departure | 2 hours prior to arrival | 1 hour prior to arrival |
Note: For detailed marine time frames, refer to advance time frames for reporting in the marine mode.
Use of Pre-Arrival Information
Electronic shipment information received in advance will provide the CBSA's border services officers with the right information at the right time to detect potential health, safety and security threats before goods reach Canada, while ensuring that legitimate trade moves across the border efficiently.
To assess the information submitted electronically, the CBSA is leveraging sophisticated technology and analysis of information to automatically and rigorously risk assess commercial goods prior to their arrival in Canada.
Receiving information prior to arrival will not change the current practice of carrying out manual checks. These will continue to be performed upon arrival by random selection or at the discretion of the CBSA.
Protecting Pre-Arrival Information
In accordance with privacy legislation and policies, the CBSA has completed a Preliminary Privacy Impact Assessment and a Privacy Impact Assessment is in progress. The CBSA will work in cooperation with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner, which will provide oversight and guidance to ensure that all privacy issues have been identified and resolved, or mitigated.
For more information on CBSA Privacy Impact Assessments go to the CBSA Web site.
Electronic Commerce Client Requirements Document (ECCRD) for Highway
The ECCRD for highway is now available.
The ECCRD for highway is designed to provide clients with technical user information on how to submit, change, delete and amend advance information under eManifest and to assist clients with their internal systems' implementation. Policy guidelines will be developed and made available through the Reporting of Imported Goods Regulations and related D-Memoranda.
The document contains information relevant to providing advance highway cargo and conveyance information for imported goods (including in-bond shipments) to the Agency using EDI.
Note: Requirements for electronic data submission via the eManifest Portal will be addressed in an appendix (currently under development) to this ECCRD and will be posted once available.
Clients or their service providers involved in the EDI process must undergo acceptance testing. The test environment will be available for clients in June 2010.
