Canada Modifies Certain ACI Initiative Timeframes for Inbound Marine Cargo (Still Scheduled to Begin April 19, 2004)
The Canada Border Services Agency 1 (CBSA) has modified its previous instructions regarding the implementation schedule for the Advance Commercial Information (ACI) initiative for inbound marine cargo in order to change the advance reporting timeframes for i) conveyances for containerized cargo, ii) conveyances for non-authorized break bulk cargo and iii) empty containers.
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The new advance reporting timeframe for such conveyances and empty containers is now 96 hours prior to arrival of the vessel at the first Canadian Port of Call and/or Discharge. (CBSA states that for voyages less than 96 hours, the report is required at the time of departure.)
ACI to be Implemented for Inbound Marine Cargo Beginning April 19, 2004
In addition, CBSA sources have confirmed that ACI will be implemented for the inbound marine transport mode beginning on April 19, 2004. With regard to the implementation timeframes for other modes of transport (e.g. rail, air, highway), sources explain that their implementation dates are not yet finalized.
CBSA also notes that there will be no changes to secondary cargo reporting procedures for marine shipments (e.g. house-bills, re-manifests, abstracts) during this phase of ACI implementation. CBSA further states that implementation of mandatory electronic secondary cargo reporting procedures will be phased in, subsequent to or concurrent with the implementation of other modes.
CBSA has also stated that advance electronic conveyance and cargo reporting will not be mandatory for vessels bound for Canada that contain only goods that were laden in the U.S. until a future phase of ACI. Current conveyance and cargo reporting requirements will continue to be acceptable for these vessels and their cargo.
(See ITT's Online Archives or 10/21/03 news, 03102110, for BP summary of ACI.)
CBSA's Revised Advance Reporting Timeframes for Voyages 96 Hours or Longer
CBSA has issued the following chart summarizing the revised advance reporting timeframes for voyages that are 96 hours or more:
| Conveyance/Empty Container | New Timeframe | Previous Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Conveyances for containerized cargo | 96 hours prior to arrival | 24 hours prior to lading |
| Conveyances for non-authorized break-bulk cargo | 96 hours prior to arrival | 24 hours prior to lading |
| Conveyances for authorized break-bulk cargo (i.e., application approved) | 24 hours prior to arrival | same |
| Conveyances for bulk cargo | 24 hours prior to arrival | same |
| Empty containers | 96 hours prior to arrival | Within 24 hours of departure from last foreign port of lading |
In December 2003, the Canadian government announced the creation of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), which will comprise, among other things, the Customs program formerly within the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA).
Paragraph 11 of Customs Notice N-542 contains the information to be provided in requests for authorization, as well as the address to which such requests should be forwarded (see below for link to this notice).
Test Environment for Submitting EDIs Is Now Available
According to CBSA sources, the test environment for transmitting electronic data interchange (EDI) to CBSA is now available. CBSA sources state that the test environment became available on February 23, 2004 and is now available for anyone wishing to test their transmissions; however, these sources state that test filers need to contact CBSA's Electronic Commerce Unit at 1(888) 958-7224 before they begin transmitting EDIs.
CBSA Update of ACI Timeframes (dated February 2004) available athttp://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/advance/updates-e.html
Customs Notice N-542, which contains previous reporting timeframes (dated 10/07/03) available at http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/E/pub/cm/cn542/cn542-e.html