ACI eManifest for Highway Carriers: Requirements, Filing and Border Documents

ACI eManifest requirements at a glance

ACI eManifest is a CBSA program requiring carriers to send electronic cargo and conveyance information before arrival. The table summarizes the core requirements; each row is explained in detail below. [CBSA ACI]

Scroll the table sideways on small screens →

Who must file, and who is responsible

The carrier that operates the conveyance is the party responsible for transmitting ACI cargo and conveyance data, and it must hold a valid CBSA carrier code. A carrier may arrange for an authorized service provider to transmit the data, but responsibility for the truth, accuracy, and completeness of the data — and for keeping the source records — stays with the carrier. A customs broker handles the release request and does not universally file the carrier's ACI data. [CBSA ACI]

Cargo data vs. conveyance data

ACI eManifest is made of two document types. The Highway Cargo document describes a shipment and carries a Cargo Control Number (CCN); the Highway Conveyance document describes the trip and carries a Cargo Reference / conveyance number (CRN). You link the accepted cargo records to the conveyance record for the trip. [CBSA create/correct]

How CCNs and CRNs are constructed

Both numbers begin with your four-character CBSA carrier code followed by a unique carrier-assigned reference. Each is 5 to 25 characters with no spaces, the CCN and CRN cannot be identical, and a number must not be reused for three years. [CBSA labels]

• First four characters: your CBSA carrier code.
• Remaining characters: a unique carrier-assigned reference (total length 5–25, no spaces).
• The CCN (cargo) and CRN (conveyance) must be different from each other.
• Do not reuse a CCN or CRN for three years.

Illustrative With carrier code 12AB, a cargo number could be 12ABCARGO0001 and the trip number 12ABTRIP0001. These shapes are illustrative only — not a prescribed CBSA numbering format. Use your own carrier code and unique references, and confirm the format with CBSA.

Before you file

Have these in place before you build the eManifest. Missing any one is a common cause of rejects and delays.

• A valid CBSA carrier code in good standing.
• A transmission channel ready: CBSA EDI, the eManifest Portal, or an authorized service provider.
• Shipment data: shipper, consignee, description, quantity, weight, and any release/broker reference.
• Equipment and trip data: conveyance, trailer, driver, and expected arrival details.
• Unique CCN(s) for each shipment and a unique CRN for the trip, none reused within three years.
• A plan for the lead sheet the driver will present at the FPOA (barcoded CRN preferred).

Step-by-step filing workflow

The sequence below follows CBSA's highway create/correct process. Cargo records must be accepted before they can be linked to the conveyance. [CBSA create/correct]

1. Collect the data. Gather shipment, equipment, and party details for every shipment on the trip.
2. Create cargo record(s). Build a Highway Cargo document (CCN) for each shipment.
3. Create the conveyance record. Build the Highway Conveyance document (CRN) for the trip.
4. Link accepted CCNs. Attach the accepted cargo records to the conveyance; a missing or rejected CCN will reject the conveyance.
5. Validate and submit. Transmit through your channel and watch for the system response.
6. Confirm Accepted status. Verify each cargo and the conveyance return an Accepted status before arrival.
7. Coordinate PARS / broker release. Make sure the release request lines up with your eManifest identifiers and data.
8. Prepare the lead sheet. Produce a scannable lead sheet (barcoded CRN preferred) for the driver.
9. Driver reports at the FPOA. The driver reports physically and presents the lead sheet so CBSA can retrieve the filing.
10. Retain proof. Keep the transmission and acceptance records and source documents.

Timing rules

As a general current CBSA requirement, highway cargo and conveyance data must be received and validated at least one hour before the conveyance arrives at the FPOA, and may be submitted up to 30 days in advance. Filing with less than one hour can trigger an insufficient-review warning and possible AMPS penalty exposure. Making changes does not reset the one-hour clock. Timing rules can change, so confirm the current requirement with CBSA before you ship. [CBSA ACI]

The lead sheet at the border

The driver presents a lead sheet at the FPOA so CBSA can scan it and retrieve the transmitted filing. The lead sheet supports reporting and retrieval but does not replace the electronic filing itself. [CBSA ACI]

• ✓ Preferred: a lead sheet showing a barcoded CRN.
• ✓ Alternative: a barcoded CCN with the CRN handwritten; or another barcoded document accompanied by a handwritten CRN.
• ✓ PARS as lead sheet: a PARS document may serve as the lead sheet when it carries a barcoded CCN with a handwritten CRN.
• ✓ Printed from the eManifest Portal, or carrier-created if it meets the requirements.
• × Presenting a lead sheet on an invoice or bill of lading for non-PARS releases.

How ACI relates to PARS

ACI eManifest and PARS are separate steps that must line up. ACI is the carrier's advance cargo and conveyance reporting to CBSA; PARS is the broker's request for release of the goods. The identifiers and data across both should match so the shipment and the release request reconcile. [CBSA D3-4-2]

• ✓ Keep the CCN and shipment data on the eManifest consistent with the PARS release request.
• × Treating a PARS request as a substitute for transmitting ACI cargo and conveyance data.

For a failed or missing PARS release, and for in-bond movements, see the related guides rather than expanding this page: How to Get and Use a PARS Number, PARS vs. PAPS, and How to Complete a CBSA A8A Form.

Accepted, rejected, and troubleshooting

CBSA returns an Accepted or Rejected response through the same channel you filed on. A rejected cargo record is considered non-transmitted until it is corrected and accepted, and a conveyance rejects if a quoted CCN is missing or itself rejected. Confirm acceptance before arrival. [CBSA create/correct]

Changes, amendments, and cancellations

How you correct a filing depends on whether the conveyance has arrived and on which field is changing. Official time limits differ between sources, so cite and verify current CBSA guidance rather than relying on absolute day counts. [CBSA create/correct]

Note Time limits (for example post-arrival amendment windows) can differ between official sources. Always verify the current rule with CBSA before relying on a specific number of days.

Exemptions and exceptions

Some movements have limited exemptions from advance cargo reporting, and some cargo has data exceptions. The list below is not exhaustive and is not a legal determination. Even where cargo data is excepted, conveyance data may still be required. Verify the current official rules with CBSA for your movement. [CBSA ACI]

• Full-load CSA (Customs Self Assessment) shipments.
• Emergency response movements.
• Bobtails (tractor with no trailer/cargo).
• Mail moving as a full load.
• Empty conveyances / empties.
• CLVS-approved courier low-value shipment cargo.
• Instruments of international trade (IIT).
• "Flying trucks" (trans-loaded air cargo moving by highway) in defined circumstances.

Common mistakes

Worked example (illustrative)

Illustrative The values below show the shape of the numbers only. They are not a prescribed CBSA numbering format — use your own carrier code and unique references, and confirm the format with CBSA.

A carrier with code 12AB has a trip carrying two shipments. It creates two cargo records and one conveyance record, then links the accepted CCNs to the CRN:

12ABCARGO0001

• 12AB — the first four characters are the CBSA carrier code (shared by every number).
• CARGO0001 / CARGO0002 — the two cargo references, giving CCNs 12ABCARGO0001 and 12ABCARGO0002.
• TRIP0001 — the trip reference, giving CRN 12ABTRIP0001 (distinct from every CCN).

Both CCNs are transmitted and accepted, then linked to CRN 12ABTRIP0001. The driver carries a lead sheet showing the barcoded CRN, reports at the FPOA, and CBSA scans it to retrieve the accepted filing. The CCN and CRN are always different numbers.

Frequently asked questions

What is an ACI eManifest?

ACI (Advance Commercial Information) eManifest is the prescribed electronic pre-arrival cargo and conveyance data that highway carriers must transmit to CBSA before reaching the border. It lets CBSA process and risk-assess the shipment in advance. It does not replace the physical reporting the driver still does at the first point of arrival (FPOA); it works alongside it.

Who must submit ACI eManifest data?

The highway carrier operating the conveyance is responsible for transmitting accurate, complete ACI cargo and conveyance data using a valid CBSA carrier code. A carrier may use an authorized service provider to transmit on its behalf, but the carrier remains responsible for the truth, accuracy, and completeness of the data and for its source records. A customs broker handles the release request (for example PARS) and does not universally file the carrier's ACI data.

How early must an ACI eManifest be filed?

As a general current CBSA requirement, highway cargo and conveyance data must be received and validated at least one hour before the conveyance arrives at the FPOA, and it may be submitted up to 30 days in advance. Submitting with less than one hour can produce an insufficient-review warning and possible AMPS penalty exposure, and later changes do not reset the clock. Timing rules change, so confirm the current requirement with CBSA before you ship.

What is the difference between a CCN and a CRN?

A Cargo Control Number (CCN) identifies a Highway Cargo (shipment) document, while a Cargo Reference / conveyance number (CRN) identifies the Highway Conveyance (trip) document. Both begin with your four-character CBSA carrier code followed by a unique carrier-assigned reference, are 5 to 25 characters with no spaces, and cannot be identical. Multiple CCNs can be linked to a single CRN for one trip, and numbers must not be reused for three years.

What must be on an ACI eManifest lead sheet?

The driver presents a lead sheet at the FPOA so CBSA can scan and retrieve the filing. The preferred lead sheet carries a barcoded CRN; alternatively a barcoded CCN with the CRN handwritten, or another barcoded document accompanied by a handwritten CRN. It can be printed from the eManifest Portal or carrier-created if it meets requirements. Do not present a lead sheet on an invoice or bill of lading for non-PARS releases; a PARS document may serve as the lead sheet when it shows a barcoded CCN with a handwritten CRN. The lead sheet supports reporting and retrieval but does not replace the electronic filing.

Does a PARS shipment still need ACI eManifest?

Yes. ACI eManifest is the carrier's advance cargo and conveyance reporting to CBSA, while PARS is the broker's request for release of the goods. They are separate but must line up: the identifiers and data on the eManifest and the PARS request should match. A PARS release request does not satisfy the carrier's obligation to transmit ACI cargo and conveyance data.

What happens if an ACI eManifest is rejected?

A rejected cargo record is treated as not transmitted until it is corrected and accepted, and a conveyance record will reject if a quoted CCN is missing or itself rejected. Watch for an Accepted status through the same channel you filed on, fix the flagged data, resubmit, and confirm acceptance before arrival. Arriving without accepted data can mean delays and AMPS exposure.

How do you correct or cancel an ACI eManifest?

Before arrival, a Change replaces the entire record; changing a key identifier (such as the CCN or CRN) generally requires deleting and re-adding the record rather than a Change, and a Cancel is available pre-arrival after any linked cargo is first removed from the conveyance. After arrival you use an Amendment with a reason, subject to limits, and certain post-arrival key-field changes require the BSF673 process or an in-person visit to a CBSA office. Official time limits differ between sources, so cite and verify current CBSA guidance.

Sources

• CBSA — Memorandum D3-4-2 (Highway pre-arrival) Highway pre-arrival cargo and conveyance reporting, the FPOA, and how ACI relates to release.
• CBSA — ACI / eManifest requirements Advance data requirements, who transmits, the one-hour / 30-day timing, and exemptions and exceptions.
• CBSA — Create/correct highway cargo & conveyance Building cargo and conveyance documents, linking CCNs to a CRN, acceptance and rejection, and changes, amendments, and cancellations.
• CBSA — Cargo control and bar-coded labels Carrier codes, the 5–25 character no-spaces structure, barcode labels, and the three-year no-reuse rule.

Related resources

• How to Get and Use a PARS Number
• PARS vs. PAPS: What's the Difference?
• How to Complete a CBSA A8A Form
• Canada CBSA Cross-Border Requirements
• Printed ACI eManifest lead sheets
• Digital ACI eManifest lead sheets (PDF)
• All cross-border resources