Advance Commercial Information

The Advance Commercial Information (ACI) program introduces more effective risk management processes and tools to identify threats to our health, safety, and security prior to the arrival of cargo and conveyances in Canada.

• ACI Carrier Requirements
• Marine Mode
  Requirements, procedures and frequently asked questions for marine carriers.
  
• Air Mode
  Requirements, procedures and frequently asked questions.
  
• Program Overview
  The purpose and phased implementation of ACI.
  
• Mandatory Harmonized System (HS)
  Information on the expansion of HS code requirements.
  
• Contact Information
  If you have any comments or would like more information.

Program Overview

The ACI program is about providing CBSA officers with electronic pre-arrival cargo information so that they are equipped with the right information at the right time to identify health, safety and security threats related to commercial goods before the goods arrive in Canada.

Implementation

The ACI program is being delivered in phases.

• Phase 1
  Focused on marine cargo and conveyance. Implemented on April 19, 2004.
• Phase 2
  Focuses on air cargo and conveyance and marine shipments loaded in the United States. Implementation began on December 12, 2005 and as of July 26, 2006, all marine and air cargo must be reported under ACI.
• Future phases
  Will focus on cargo and conveyance by highway and rail. Implementation dates have not yet been determined.

Phase 1: Marine Mode

Phase I of the Advance Commercial Information (ACI) Program was implemented on April 19, 2004 requiring marine carriers to electronically transmit marine cargo data to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) 24 hours prior to loading cargo at a foreign port. This requirement allows the CBSA to effectively identify threats to Canada’s health, safety, and security prior to the arrival of cargo and conveyances in Canada.

Phase 2: Air Mode and Marine Shipments Loaded in the United States

Phase II of the Advance Commercial Information (ACI) program was implemented on December 12, 2005 requiring air cargo and marine carriers loaded in the U.S. to electronically transmit data to the CBSA 24 hours prior to arrival in Canada. 

As per Customs Notice 630, implementation of Phase II was to be completed as of June 26, 2006. However, a one-month extension was given to comply. Implementation was completed on July 26, 2006.

Future Phases: Highway and Rail

Subsequent phases of the ACI program will require the electronic transmission of advance cargo and conveyance information from carriers for all highway and rail shipments. In addition, the electronic transmission of advance secondary data will be required from freight forwarders and the electronic transmission of advance importer data will be required from importers or their brokers.

Mandatory Harmonized System

Information on the expansion of the Mandatory Harmonized System (HS) code requirements that went into effect on May 3, 2004, can be found in Customs Notice N-553 Expansion of Mandatory HS Code Requirements.

Contact Information

If you have any comments or want more information, please contact the Commercial Projects Division by e-mail at ACI@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca or by telephone at (613) 952-1070.