Starting today, carriers hauling into Canada who do not transmit their cargo and conveyance data to authorities at least an hour prior to arrival at the border via the nation’s eManifest program can expect to deal with financial penalties.
According to the Canada Border Services Agency, the agency will begin assessing monetary penalties and even rejecting carriers who do not comply with eManifest requirements. Even carriers who voluntarily return to the U.S. may still be subject to penalties.
The border service has been stepping up enforcement since last summer, beginning with delays for trucks arriving at the Canadian border that have not submitted their cargo and conveyance data to the Canada Border Services Agency using the eManifest system.
The agency says a voluntary compliance period remains in effect for freight forwarders.
According to the CBSA website, the agency may issue penalties for:
failing to provide advance information;
failing to provide advance information in the prescribed time or in the prescribed manner;
failing to correct advance information;
failing to provide true/accurate/complete information; and/or
failing to comply with an electronic customs Risk Assessment notice.
Highway carriers hauling into Canada are now required to transmit their cargo and conveyance data to authorities at least an hour prior to arrival at the border or eventually risk delays, financial penalties, or denial of entry. The Canadian border initiative known as eManifest is similar to what Canadians must use when they haul into the U.S.
The data cannot be submitted via phone or fax. Rather it is sent through a secure website that requires motor carriers to obtain a special code to log in.
Highway carriers will need to obtain a carrier code issued by Canada Border Services Agency to accompany their transmissions. Data transmissions to the agency are done electronically through various options including a secure online eManifest portal.
The agency recommends in its online information about the program that for truckers to make sure everything works, the best thing to do is enrol and begin using eManifest and not wait until the last minute.
To get eManifest information directly from Canada Border Services Agency including additional online presentations, visit cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/menu-eng.html.
