Trucking into Canada now requires eManifest; penalties will be phased in
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.
Canada Border Services Agency published its final regulatory amendments for eManifest back in May, but carriers, freight forwarders and importers won’t begin facing penalties until July 10. Even then, the penalties will be phased in, starting with educational and corrective measures. Financial penalties for failing to transmit cargo and conveyance data will not take effect until early next year on Jan. 10, 2016.
CBSA recommends in its online information about the program that for truckers to make sure everything works, the best thing to do is enroll and begin using eManifest and not wait until the last minute.
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.
eManifest has been in the works for years, but the Canada Border Services Agency delayed implementation twice along the way. The agency has published a handy top 10 list of things truckers should know about the program.
The U.S. Department of Commerce has conducted online education webinars to help truckers, freight forwarders and importers learn more about eManifest.
