Printable Version Reducing the Use of Paper for Import Release Process


The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has announced changes to the import release process of commercial shipments into Canada, whereby the use of paper service options will be eliminated to the greatest extent possible. 

In order to not only move the commercial program forward, but to prepare clients for full implementation of the Advance Commercial Information (ACI) initiative, and to address security concerns, the CBSA has made the decision to increase the use of EDI by eliminating the use of paper service options to an extent that would be presently possible. This supports the CBSA's strategy for managing the border and helps achieve a common goal among both government and industry, reducing the usage of paper.

As of Oct. 15, 2007, paper release on Release On Minimum Documentation (RMD) and Paper Pre-arrival Review System (PARS) service options will not be accepted. The policy applies to all modes and it affects the release process at any port - border or inland. While carriers will still be entitled to move shipments in-bond at the inland location, the release must be transmitted through EDI unless the goods or release scenario falls into the following exceptions list:


  • Goods subject to the requirements of an Other Government Department (OGD) where there is no EDI link between the CBSA and the OGD
  • If the invoice for the release transaction contains more than 999 invoice lines
  • If there is more than one warehouse sub-location code per release transaction
  • If the release transaction is covered by multiple highway cargo control numbers at the frontier
  • If the CBSA has issued a paper Form Y50, Reject Document Control, to the importer/broker in the case of courier low-value shipments
  • Bonded warehouse RMD (grey wrapper); and
  • Goods to be released from a Queen’s warehouse

With ACI, the CBSA requires that key data be transmitted electronically before the goods arrive in Canada.

Phases 1 and 2 have already been implemented for marine and air transportation modes, and the following changes have been made:

  • Marine carriers/freight forwarders are required to electronically transmit marine cargo data to the CBSA 24 hours prior to the loading of the cargo in the foreign port
  • Air carriers and freight forwarders are required to transmit air cargo and conveyance information at least 4 hours prior to arrival or by “wheels-up” for flights less than 4 hours.


The CBSA has announced that it will introduce e-manifest as the next phase to the Advance Commercial Information (ACI) program, covering highway and rail shipments.

The CBSA estimated date for the implementation of e-manifest for ground is fall of 2008. 

Modes for Commercial Importations

With the full implementation of ACI in all modes, importers will be required to use either ACI or the Customs Self-Assessment (CSA) for commercial importations:

  1. Advanced Commercial Importation (ACI)

  • Carrier information transmitted to CBSA in advance
  • FedEx Express will transmit invoice information
  • All invoice lines will need to be transmitted in advance, and we will require the documents well in advance of the carrier crossing
  • All shipments will need to be cleared at the first point of arrival
  • Ensure all documentation is complete

  1. Customs Self-Assessment (CSA)*

  • FedEx Express Canada has a custom made solution owned and operated by our company
  • FedEx Express have existing clients that are currently CSA-approved and using our web portal
  • Shipments at border locations are authorized for delivery to your facility
  • Through your books and records, duties and taxes are calculated
  • Shipments are prioritized by CBSA, even during a red security alert
  • Extended timelines to account for goods and pay GST and duty
  • Dedicated lanes for FAST clearances
  • Reduced border examinations
  • CBSA verifies compliance away from the border
  • No mandatory HS at time of release
  • OGD after release (some eligible goods)
  • Reduced wait time at the border
  • Reduced landed costs of goods
  • Results for the Importer – competitive advantage, better service and improved sales/services

*Importers approved to participate in the CSA program are entitled to a streamlined clearance process for eligible goods when an approved carrier and driver registered with the Commercial Driver Registration Program are involved.

FedEx Canada offers both ACI and CSA clearance to approved importers to ensure that either transition will be streamlined to meet your needs and expectations.

For further information, please contact your account representative or the Clearance Help Desk: 1.866.814.7741.



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