Up to date fact sheet on ACROSS and OGD Interfaces

This page provides an up to date Fact Sheet on ACROSS and our OGD Interfaces. Updated on January 19, 2004.

• Introduction
• ACROSS Key Elements
• EDI release
• Improved Targeting
• Flexible Service Options
• Machine Release System (MRS)
• Workload Management

Introduction

The Accelerated Commercial Release Operations System (ACROSS) uses advanced electronic technology to streamline the way goods are imported into Canada. Under ACROSS, importers and brokers exchange information electronically with the CBSA thereby removing the requirement to present hard copy release packages, subject to certain limitations.

By reducing the workload involved in the clearance of low-risk shipments, ACROSS enables goods to be released more efficiently and quickly. Importers spend less time dealing with the CBSA, which allows them more time to focus on their businesses.

Further enhancements to ACROSS introduced the capabilities of allowing our EDI Clients the benefits of transmitting release information that has OGD (Other Government Departments) requirements.

ACROSS also improves the enforcement capabilities of the CBSA. The system allows the CBSA to dedicate more time to preventing the entry of illicit goods into the country. It also provides a sophisticated method for targeting high-risk shipments.

By taking advantage of the latest developments in technology, ACROSS integrates Canada Border Services Agency's commercial release, reporting, and workload management systems for importing goods into Canada.

ACROSS Key Elements

ACROSS includes the following key elements:

• electronic release of commercial shipments;
• automated release for repetitive, low-risk shipments;
• a Single Window Interface with OGDs for release shipments that have OGD requirements;
• a client-profile feature which allows the CBSA to tailor registration and release services to meet the needs of importers; and
• a workload management feature that increases the efficiency of the importing process and allows the Canada Border Services Agency to shift resources to meet service and enforcement priorities.

EDI release

ACROSS involves electronic data interchange (EDI) for existing importing processes such as release on minimum documentation (RMD) and Pre-arrival Review System (PARS). By giving importers and brokers the ability to transmit release invoice data and certain OGD requirements electronically, this eliminates the need to present paper release packages. The Canada Border Services Agency receives about 20,000 EDI releases each day at 102 ports of entry.

Improved Targeting

ACROSS provides the CBSA with a highly developed tool for ensuring that only high-risk imports are selected for compliance verification. The targeting system can verify a wide variety of information such as importer numbers, carrier codes, and countries of origin. This allows for greater enforcement capabilities and a faster release process for low-risk shipments.

Flexible Service Options

The Canada Border Services Agency has a number of different programs for the release of commercial goods. In addition to RMD and PARS, the Department also offers the Frequent Importer Release System (FIRST) and OGD RMD/PARS Releases. ACROSS allows the CBSA to create new service options to meet the changing needs of the importing community.

Machine Release System (MRS)

The Machine Release System is the component of ACROSS that provides automated release decisions for shipments that meet a variety of low-risk criteria. The purpose of MRS is to automate the processing of low-risk and repetitive importations in order to provide inspectors with more time for processing of shipments that pose a greater degree of risk. MRS is an internal program and there is no application process. Shipments regulated by other government departments (OGD's) may still be eligible for automated release, after such time as OGD requirements have been met.

For more information on the Machine Release System please contact
mrs-sma@ccra-adrc.gc.ca

Workload Management

The ACROSS workload management function helps CBSA managers meet the challenges of managing their paper and electronic workloads, while also providing clients with more efficient and responsive service.

ACROSS significantly improves the importing process by:

• greatly reducing the paper burden;
• providing faster and more efficient processing of imports;
• exchanging release information with OGDS;
• reducing errors in the importing process;
• providing for timely and efficient responses to requests for system enhancements;
• allowing importers more time to dedicate to their businesses; and
• enhancing Canada Border Services Agency's enforcement capabilities.

Disclaimer

The information was accurate at the time it was posted. However, legislative provisions and requirements can change any time. We will do our best to give you timely updates.