What is eManifest?
eManifest is the electronic communication of freight information to customs officials prior to a shipment arriving at a border. It is the third phase of the Advance Commercial Information (ACI) initiative.
eManifest expedites the customs clearance process by allowing shipment information to be assessed and approved by customs officials in advance of arrival.
Why is eManifest Important?
To accommodate the number of daily shipments and assess the risk of potentially dangerous goods, many countries have implemented automated (electronic) processes to allow more intricate screening procedures by customs officials in advance of all shipments.
eManifest in Canada
In Canada, the Advance Commercial Information (ACI) program has been implemented in three phases. The first phase focused on marine carriers to electronically transmit marine cargo data to the CBSA. The second phase focused on air carriers and freight forwarders to submit cargo data to the CBSA. The third phase is focused on carriers for all highway and rail shipments transmitting data.
eManifest Canadian Timeline
This implementation timeline applies to freight forwarders who electronically transmit data on consolidated freight to the CBSA:
- November 7, 2016, to January 10, 2017: The CBSA will provide freight forwarders with a period of transition during which penalties for non-compliance will not be issued. The CBSA will work closely with freight forwarders on corrective measures. (Note: Consolidated shipments arriving in Canada on or after November 7, 2016, are subject to advance electronic requirements even if the movement begins prior to this time frame.)
- January 11, 2017, to July 11, 2017: Freight forwarders deemed to be non-compliant with eManifest requirements may be issued zero-rated penalties (non-monetary) under the CBSA’s Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS).
- Beginning July 12, 2017: Freight forwarders deemed to be non-compliant with eManifest requirements may be issued monetary AMPS penalties.
eManifest in the U.S. and Internationally
There are variations of eManifest being implemented by border service agencies all over the globe. In the U.S., the program is referred to as ACE (Automated Commercial Environment).
Are your service providers ready?
As the transition occurs from paper to electronic reporting, organizations are encouraged to be aware of the newly implemented compliance regulations. Many customs brokers are proactively managing eManifest regulations and have developed customized software solutions to help organizations ensure proper compliance with shipping requirements.
Farrow has a solution in place to ensure compliance with CBSA eManifest initiatives and can work with your company to implement them. Contact your Farrow representative for more information.
