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About Electronic data interchange (EDI)
Are you thinking of using EDI to release your commercial shipments quickly? Electronic data interchange (EDI) lets you transmit information from one computer to another quickly, easily, and accurately. The Accelerated Commercial Release Operations Support System (ACROSS) lets you, the importer, or the broker use EDI technology to transmit customs release and invoice data to any automated customs office. You can obtain a list of our automated offices from your ACROSS co-ordinator. EDI is a vital tool in today's marketplace. It is part of the growing trend towards electronic commerce that includes technologies like facsimiles, electronic mail, electronic forms and bar codes. How can your business benefit from ACROSS? ACROSS can help you revolutionize your business procedures to meet the demands of an ever-changing market. You can:
How do you become an ACROSS participant? If you decide to use ACROSS, you'll need a copy of the ACROSS Participants Requirement Document (PRD). It will give you the requirements and technical information on EDI and ACROSS. Copies of the PRD are available from any of the ACROSS co-ordinators. Once you have reviewed the PRD and completed the application form and memorandum of understanding included in the PRD please forward to : Systems Operations Division Once received, one of our client representatives will contact you to discuss testing. You can use the following two methods to send us your release information using ACROSS:
Using ACROSS means you do not have to give us paper release packages. However, as a participant, you have to report your confirming declarations (Form B3, Canada Customs Coding Form) using CADEX or Customs Declaration (CUSDEC). All existing cargo and release services are available through ACROSS, including:
For more information on these services, see both our booklet called Line Release and Memorandum D17-1-5, Release of Commercial Goods. Here is a step-by-step look at the EDI release process.
What about goods needing a Foreign Affairs import permit? Canada Border Services Agency and International Trade Canada (ITC) formerly known as the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) exchange permit data electronically. This means you don't have to give us paper import permits. Your permit is issued by International Trade Canada. They forward the permit information to us electronically for sorting and processing. When you send us your release request, ACROSS matches this information to the International Trade Canada permit. 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 The OGD Single Window Interface is an enhancement that allows EDI clients to transmit release data to ACROSS that have other government requirements. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) interface is now available on a national basis, along with Natural Resources Canada, Transport Canada and Industry Canada. Therefore, you may now use EDI for release of goods for the following programs:
For each of the above programs, HS Code tables have been prepared in order to assist you in preparing your release package for OGD requirements. Additional data elements for certain departments are required at the time of release and have been added to the latest EDI Phase III Release Maps. Depending on the department involved certain fields must be completed and transmitted along with the release data. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)/ACROSS interface, was implemented nationally on April 6, 1998. It allows importers and brokers to transmit release information on CFIA regulated goods to Canada Border Services Agency who, in turn, transmits it to CFIA. Once CFIA has made their decision regarding the admissibility of the goods, they transmit their decision directly to the CBSA inspector. The CBSA then makes a final decision. Benefits of this interface include:
The Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) is an important part of the CFIA/ACROSS interface. Through this system, importers and brokers have easy access to current information on agricultural import requirements. The system also allows them to quickly determine the additional data (codes) that must be included in the EDI release message they transmit to us. For more information on the OGD Single Window Program, contact us by: Fax (613) 952-9979 or e-mail at ogd@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca If you have questions about ACROSS, contact one of the ACROSS co-ordinators (below), or contact: Systems Operations Division For more information on ACROSS, contact your nearest ACROSS co-ordinator. Atlantic Quebec/Montréal Northern Ontario/Ottawa Greater Toronto Area Niagara Falls/Fort Erie Southern Western Ontario/Windsor/St Clair Prairie Pacific Disclaimer The information was accurate at the time it was posted. However, legislative provisions and requirements can change at any time. We will do our best to give you timely updates. |
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