Other service options

We offer a range of service options to established importers. Many of these processes involve EDI technology, and replace the standard paper alternatives available to clients with release on minimum documentation (RMD) privileges.

• Line release
• G7 Import One Step Release on Full Documentation (RFD)
• Prearrival Review System (PARS)
• Frequent Importer Release System (FIRST)
• Release Notification System (RNS)
• Electronic data interchange (EDI) release
• Customs Internet Gateway
• Foreign Affairs/Customs Automated Permit System (EXCAPS)
• Customs Automated Data Exchange (CADEX) system
• Customs Declaration (CUSDEC)
• EDI marine and rail cargo systems
• Customs/Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) interface
• Commercial Cash Entry Processing System (CCEPS)

Line release

The following line release options speed up the release processing times of commercial goods and reduce traffic congestion at border crossings.

G7 Import One Step Release on Full Documentation (RFD)

RFD is a service option that is available to importers. It combines the release and accounting functions into one EDI transmission, while still allowing clients to remit payment of duties and taxes on a monthly basis. Current service standards for release in EDI format will apply to RFD requests.

For more information, visit our G7 Import One Step Release on Full Documentation (RFD) Web page.

Prearrival Review System (PARS)

The Prearrival Review System (PARS) is one option of the line release process which is available to importers. The PARS release information contains the shipment's estimated time and date of arrival, the invoice data and the original copy of any required permits.

You can submit PARS documentation/data up to 30 days before the goods arrive in Canada, so we can process the documentation and enter the cargo control number and either a recommendation for release or examination into our computer system. The release recommendation will be ready when your goods arrive if you submit your PARS request at least:

EDI
1 hour in advance

Paper
2 hours in advance

When your shipment arrives, we will release it in minutes unless an examination is required.

For details on line release, see Memorandum D17-1-5, Importing Commercial Goods.

Frequent Importer Release System (FIRST)

FIRST is the other line release option. If you have established a sound compliance record, you can apply for FIRST privileges to obtain release of low-risk, low-revenue shipments that you import on a regular basis. If you qualify, we give you an authorization number which appears on your pre-approved import document that identifies your FIRST shipments.

When the goods arrive at the border, the carrier presents the import document with the bar-coded authorization and transaction number, a description of the goods, and related invoices. We input the bar code into our computer system to confirm that you have FIRST privileges for the goods on hand. The CBSA officer then decides whether to release the shipment or refer it for examination.

Release Notification System (RNS)

The Release Notification System includes four features: automatic release notification, arrival certification, status query, and automatic status.

If you are authorized to use the automatic release notification feature of RNS, you can have data confirming release of your goods electronically transmitted in the United Nations Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce and Transportation (UNEDIFACT) message format to your EDI mailbox using a third-party EDI network, also known as a value-added network (VAN), through the Customs Internet Gateway or through CADEX telecommunication lines. The RNS message can be used to update your systems to schedule deliveries or initiate the preparation of accounting data, as well as to electronically notify other parties affected by the release and ensure more timely delivery of your shipments.

If you are approved to use arrival certification, you can establish two way electronic communication to notify us of the arrival of commercial shipments. You can also verify if we have processed the release documents for your shipment using the status query feature or by receiving an automatic status message. If you choose to transmit an arrival certification message we can advise you whether the goods have been released or referred for examination.

Electronic data interchange (EDI) release

EDI release allows you to electronically transmit release data, including invoice information, to the Accelerated Commercial Release Operations Support System (ACROSS). A CBSA officer reviews the information and transmits the release decision back to you via the RNS/CADEX Release Notification Report. For more information on EDI release, contact the Electronic Commerce Unit in Ottawa at 1-888-957-7224.

Customs Internet Gateway

The Customs Internet Gateway went into production on July 31, 2000. It is an alternative way of transmitting customs data. Clients can apply to transmit their CADEX B3 accounting data, ACROSS release data, send arrival messages and receive their RNS release messages over the Internet. For more information, contact the Electronic Commerce Unit at 1-888-957-7224.

Foreign Affairs/Customs Automated Permit System (EXCAPS)

Under EXCAPS, importers/ brokers apply for a permit with International Trade Canada (ITCan). ITCan then electronically transmits the permit information to our ACROSS. The importer/broker transmits the release information and ACROSS matches the release data to the EXCAPS permit. A CBSA officer then processes the release and permit information, and once the goods are released, a notice is returned to ITCan informing them that the permit has been used.

Customs Automated Data Exchange (CADEX) system

At the CBSA, we offer an alternative to presenting paper copies of Form B3, Canada Customs Coding Form. We process 96% of all the B3 forms we receive using the CADEX system. This system also provides you with access to reports and files to assist in the electronic preparation of Form B3.

If you receive authorization to use CADEX, you can electronically transmit your Form B3 information directly to our computer system over telecommunications lines.

Customs Declaration (CUSDEC)

This is another way to electronically transmit accounting data. CUSDEC is an international format that uses UN/EDIFACT, and operates in a manner similar to CADEX.

EDI marine and rail cargo systems

The EDI marine cargo and rail systems allow marine and on rail carriers and agents to electronically transmit vessel and cargo report data to the CBSA 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, standard, ANSI X12.

For more information on EDI, marine and rail cargo, CADEX, CUSDEC or RNS, contact the manager in Ottawa at (613) 954-6341.

Customs/Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) interface

Commodities that have requirements from this agency may be released by EDI in some locations. The interface is serving as a model for the development of similar arrangements with other government departments. If you are interested in finding out how to participate in this interface, contact the Electronic Commerce Unit (toll free) at 1 888 957-7224.

Commercial Cash Entry Processing System (CCEPS)

The Commercial Cash Entry Processing System is a self-serve automated system designed to facilitate the document preparation process required for the clearance of commercial importations. Personal computers are located at counters in designated CBSA offices. Based on importation information that you input for your goods, CCEPS calculates the applicable duties and taxes. It then generates a completed hard copy of Form B3.

A CBSA officer enters the data from Form B3 into the ACROSS and forwards the form to the cashier. Once you have accounted for the goods, you will receive a copy of the form stamped "duty paid" and you can take delivery of your goods.