Commercial Carrier and Freight Forwarder Identification and Eligibility
Highway Carriers

Non-Bonded or Bonded

To apply for a carrier code, the first step is to determine if you need a non-bonded or bonded code.

Non-Bonded Highway Carrier

A non-bonded highway carrier must have all shipments released at the first point of arrival (FPOA) in Canada. If a non-bonded carrier requires a bond for a single trip they may apply for a single trip authorization.

Bonded Highway Carrier

Bonded highway carriers are permitted to transport in-bond goods beyond the first point of arrival in Canada and between points in Canada. They must post financial security in the amount of $5,000 to $25,000 (see Memorandum D3-4-2, paragraph 7) with the CBSA to cover the following situations:

  • to move goods to a CBSA office or sufferance warehouse inland (not located at the border) to have the shipment released;
  • to move goods "in transit" through Canada. The bonded carrier uses Canada as a corridor, or a shortcut, by starting from a point outside Canada and then transiting through Canada to another point outside Canada (e.g. U.S. to Canada to U.S.). The goods in transit are not released in Canada; or
  • to apply to the Customs Self Assessment program and/or the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program.

Becoming a Non-Bonded Highway Carrier

The CBSA Guidelines: Highway Carrier Code Application Process will assist you in applying for a highway carrier code, and completing the application form.

To apply to become a non-bonded highway carrier with the CBSA you must:

  1. Complete the application form
  2. Provide a copy of the appropriate proof of ownership document for your business:
    • For corporations – article of incorporation or business registration document.
    • For partnerships – certificate of formation or master business license.
    • For sole proprietorships – photocopy of government issued photo ID.

    For supporting documents being submitted from outside Canada:

    • The supporting document must be translated into either English or French and certified as to the authenticity of translation by the certified translator.
    • A copy of the original documents (requiring translation) is to be notarized by a locally recognized lawyer or commissioner of oaths.
    • Both documents must be submitted.
  3. An authorized officer representing the company must sign the application form. The authorized officer must have legal signing authority and can include: Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), President, Vice-President, Owner, Partner, Secretary Treasurer, Executive Director or Director. In the case of a sole proprietorship, only the owner may sign.
  4. Submit scanned copies to the CBSA at carrier-cargo@cbsa.gc.ca.
  5. Once you receive your carrier code from the CBSA, you must then apply to transmit Advance Commercial Information (ACI) to the CBSA and undergo the testing process.

Highway carriers have 30 days after receiving their carrier code to obtain bar-coded labels. After the 30-day period, an administrative penalty of $1,000 will be imposed on carriers if bar-coded labels are not presented with their shipments upon arrival at the Canadian border. More information can be found at Cargo control and bar-coded labels.

Becoming a Bonded Highway Carrier

Recent Changes to the CBSA Bond Requirements

Please note that the CBSA requires the signature of the Owner, President, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Executive Director or a similar highest ranking official authorized to sign on behalf of the company. If an official other than those aforementioned is signing on behalf of the company, a certified copy of the by-laws authorizing that official to sign on behalf of the company shall be required and the signature of a witness shall also be necessary.

Form D120 and Memorandum D1-7-1 are being updated to reflect this change.

The CBSA Guidelines: Highway Carrier Code Application Process will assist you in applying for a highway carrier code, completing the application form and D120 Customs Bond.

To apply to become a bonded highway carrier with the CBSA you must:

  1. Complete the applicable application form
  2. Follow steps 2 and 3 above (Becoming a Non-bonded Highway Carrier) for proof of ownership and signature requirements.
  3. Post security with the CBSA in the form of a Customs Bond or other method as listed in Memorandum D1-7-1.  The required amount can be found in Memorandum D3-4-2, paragraph 1.
  4. Mail the original bond, the application, and supporting documents to the CBSA at:
    • Commercial Operations Integrated Support (COIS)
      Canada Border Services Agency
      191 Laurier Avenue West, 12th Floor
      Ottawa, ON  K1A 0L8 Canada
    • Photocopies of the bond are not accepted.
  5. Once you receive your carrier code from the CBSA, you must than apply to transmit Advance Commercial Information (ACI) to the CBSA and undergo the testing process.

Note: Highway carriers have 30 days after receiving their carrier code to obtain bar-coded labels. After the 30-day period, an administrative penalty of $1,000 will be imposed on carriers if bar-coded labels are not presented with their shipments upon arrival at the Canadian border. More information can be found at Cargo control and bar-coded labels.

Single Trip Authorization

If a non-bonded carrier requires a bond for a single trip they may apply for a single trip authorization. For example, if a non-bonded carrier cannot obtain release of the shipment at the first point of arrival and chooses to bring a shipment inland for release at another CBSA office, the carrier must post a single trip authorization bond at the first point of arrival.

A single trip authorization may be acquired in one of two ways: by posting security with the CBSA using cash or a certified cheque, or by engaging a customs broker who provides this service.

Applications for a single trip authorization must be filed, in duplicate, at the first point of arrival in Canada using form BSF329-7: Application to Transact Highway Operations with the Canada Border Services Agency. Security must also be posted as outlined in Customs Memorandum D1-7-1 Posting Security for Transacting Bonded Operations.

More information can be found at Memorandum D3-4-2, Highway Pre-arrival and Reporting Requirements.

Transmitting Advance Commercial Information

Highway carriers transporting goods into Canada are required to transmit cargo and conveyance data electronically to the CBSA prior to arrival.

For more information, please visit:

Additional Information

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