Canada to Implement eManifest Program Next Year

By now, everyone who imports goods into the US is aware of the Importer Security Filing, known more commonly as “10+2.” This regulation by US Customs & Border Protection requires importers to submit additional information factors before a shipment can clear customs without incident. The purpose of the extra documentation is to tighten port security and maintain a more accurate inventory of the freight that crosses our borders every day. It was widely assumed that Canada’s Border Services Agency (CBSA) would impose similar import regulations, and they’ve finally announced that their rules will come in the form of an eManifest Program:

eManifest is the third phase of the Advance Commercial Information (ACI) program, which introduced the requirement for marine and air carriers to provide the CBSA with electronic information in advance of the arrival of commercial cargo at Canada’s sea and air ports of entry.

eManifest will further modernize and enhance how the CBSA processes and screens commercial goods coming into Canada.

In this way, the CBSA will have the right information at the right time from carriers, freight forwarders and importers in all modes of transportation. And, by rigorously performing risk assessments on commercial goods before their arrival, the CBSA will be better able to ensure that high-risk shipments are examined and low-risk shipments have facilitated entry into Canada.

The eManifest Pprogram is scheduled to be implemented in phases. Phase 1 will begin next Spring with highway carriers transmitting cargo and conveyance data to the CBSA in advance of their arrival at the border. Phase 2 will begin next Fall with rail carriers transmitting their pre-arrival data. Regulations focusing on forwarders and importers will take effect in 2011 and 2012. The program is scheduled to be fully implemented by 2015.

For more information about eManifest, consult the following resources:

• CBSA fact sheet on amendments


• E-Manifest fact sheet


• Press Release on Amendments

Are You Ready for 10+2?

Ready or not, the Importer Security Filing, also known as “10+2,” goes into effect on January 26th. This new security regulation by the US Customs & Border Protection (CBP) will require importers to submit ten additional information factors before a shipment can clear customs without incident, plus two more filings for vessel cargo.

CBP has advised that 2009 will be an interim period for the rule change and that they will show restraint in enforcing the rule as long as “importers are found to be making satisfactory progress toward compliance and showing a good faith effort to comply with the rule to the extent of their current ability.” Penalties will not be issued during this period, but CBP will not be likely to mitigate any penalties issued on or after 1/26/10. So companies should use this time wisely and get in compliance with '10+2' sooner, rather than later.

Just to make sure your transportation department doesn’t get tied down with red tape, here’s a list of the information factors that all importers will be required to submit before a shipment can clear customs under the new rules:

These factors make up the ‘ten’ in the 10+2:

1. Manufacturer (or supplier) name and address
2. Seller name and address
3. Buyer name and address
4. Ship to name and address
5. Container stuffing location
6. Consolidator (stuffer) name and address
7. Importer of record / FTZ (Free Trade Zone) applicant ID number
8. Consignee numbers (IRS number, EIN, SSN, or CBP assigned number of the individual(s) or firm(s) in the U.S. on whose account the merchandise is shipped. This element is the same as the "consignee number" on CBP Form 3461.)
9. Country of origin
10. Commodity (HTS Number / Up to the 6-digit level required, 10 is accepted)

The ’plus two’ consists of: (both of these are the responsibility of the carrier to report)

1. Container status messages
2. Vessel stow plans

Importers can choose to have a service provider, any party with a power of attorney and bond, complete the ISF on their behalf.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments. Even if we don't have the specific answers to your questions, we'll tell you where to find them!