CN 16-28, Updated - Mandatory Electronic House Bills

Submitted by admin on Sun, 12/25/2016 - 22:14

1. This notice provides new information regarding the eManifest implementation timeline for freight forwarders to electronically transmit advance house bill data on consolidated freight to the CBSA within the prescribed mode-specific time frames.

2. On May 6, 2015, regulatory amendments supporting the CBSA's eManifest initiative were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II. The publication of these regulatory amendments made eManifest requirements for freight forwarders legally binding.  However, the CBSA has provided an extended voluntary period for eManifest requirements for freight forwarders.  Now that necessary systems functionality is in place, the CBSA will be moving forward with implementation.

3. This mandatory requirement applies to bonded and non-bonded freight forwarders who are responsible for consolidated (including back to back) import, in-bond, and shipments transiting through Canada.  The existing processes for consolidated freight remaining on board (FROB) shipments will continue in the air and marine modes.

4. The requirement to transmit electronic house bill and supplementary data is the liability of the freight forwarder, as defined in the Reporting of Imported Goods Regulations:  "freight forwarder" means a person who, on behalf of one or more owners, importers, shippers or con­signees of goods, causes specified goods to be trans­ported by one or more carriers.  Freight forwarders or carriers who meet this definition may transmit supplementary data or house bill data using their own carrier code.  As with many CBSA processes, business to business communication is essential to ensure the appropriate information is transmitted to the CBSA. 

5. The following implementation timeline applies to eManifest requirements for freight forwarders:

  • From November 7th, 2016, to January 10th, 2017, the CBSA will provide freight forwarders with a period of transition during which penalties for non-compliance will not be issued and the CBSA will work closely with freight forwarders on corrective measures.
  • From January 11th, 2017, to July 11th, 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 12th, 2017, freight forwarders deemed to be non-compliant with eManifest requirements may be issued monetary AMPS penalties.

6. During the transition period pre-existing procedures will continue.  If freight forwarders are not ready to transmit electronic house bills, the process of submitting supplementary data and presenting paper house bills will continue.  If house bill and/or supplementary reports are on file and in good standing for a consolidated shipment, the shipment will continue to move. The CBSA will provide adequate notice as to when supplementary data will no longer be accepted.

7. The CBSA remains committed to supporting clients in their transition to eManifest throughout the regulatory implementation timeline through online resources and dedicated client support activities.

8. Clients who are not already registered and participating in electronic house bills should contact the Technical Commercial Client Unit (TCCU).  You may contact the TCCU by email at tccu-ustcc@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca or by calling 1-888-957-7224 and selecting Option 1.  Detailed information is available in Chapter 5: Advance Commercial Information (ACI)/eManifest House bill of the Electronic Commerce Client Requirements Document (ECCRD).

9. The CBSA also strongly urges freight forwarders to register for electronic notices, which includes the Deconsolidation Notice.  Clients may refer to Chapter 11 of the ECCRD:  or contact the TCCU for more information. 

10. System testing with the TCCU is currently available and may begin as soon as the client is ready.

11. For email support on eManifest policy and processes, contact the eManifest Help Desk at emanifest-manifestelectronique@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.

12. For additional information regarding the pre-arrival and reporting requirements for freight forwarders, please see the revised departmental memoranda, D3-3-1, Freight Forwarder Pre-Arrival and Reporting Requirements.

13. For additional information regarding eManifest requirements clients may visit the CBSA Web site.

This notice is available on the CBSA website at:
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/cn-ad/cn16-28-eng.html