Release Notification System

The Release Notification System (RNS) is an electronic system that can be used to notify RNS clients of customs releases and for RNS clients to notify the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) that a certain shipment has arrived in Canada.

Eligibility Criteria

• Commercial importers
• Customs brokers
• Warehouse operators
• Transportation carriers

Summary

RNS gives importers, brokers, warehouse operators and transportation carriers information via computer on customs releases. RNS offers different features, including:

1. Automatic Release

The CBSA regularly contacts RNS clients via computer to notify them individually of their released shipments. The client can use this information to schedule deliveries and prepare import documents.

2. Arrival Certification

The client can notify the CBSA when a shipment of imported goods arrives in Canada. The CBSA will then send a message to the client that the shipment is either released or referred for examination.

3. Status Query

Prior to the arrival of a shipment, the client can transmit a status query to determine if the importer/broker has submitted/transmitted the release package/data to the CBSA for processing and, therefore, awaiting goods' arrival. Once the goods have arrived, the client can transmit a status query to determine the release status of a shipment.

4. Automatic Status

Prior to the arrival of a shipment, the client can automatically receive a message as to whether or not the importer/broker has submitted/transmitted the release package/data to the CBSA for processing and, therefore, awaiting goods' arrival.

Terms and Conditions

To use the RNS, you either have to get an electronic data interchange (EDI) mailbox with a third-party value added network (VAN) which is connected to the CBSA or transmit and receive over a Customs Automated Data Exchange (CADEX) line or the Internet. RNS applicants may be asked by the CBSA to have their systems tested before getting approval.

Where and How to Apply

Anyone interested in participating in the Release Notification System should contact:

Manager, Electronic Commerce Unit
Canada Border Services Agency
15th Floor
191 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, Ontario  K1A 0L5
Fax: 613-952-9979
Toll-free (information): 1-888-957-7224
Web site: http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/menu-eng.html

Quebec Contact(s):
See National Contact.

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National Contact(s):
Border Information Service - BIS
Canada Border Services Agency
Telephone: 204-983-3500 or 506-636-5064
Toll-free (information): 1-800-461-9999
Web site: http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/menu-eng.html