What is a CBSA carrier code?

It is a unique 4-character identifier assigned by the Canada Border Services Agency to identify a carrier. Carriers need one to do business with CBSA, and it forms the first four characters of each Cargo Control Number.

How do I get a carrier code in Canada?

Get a business number (BN9), register your business in the CARM Client Portal, and complete the carrier enrolment there as bonded or non-bonded. Bonded carriers must also post financial security.

What is the difference between a bonded and non-bonded carrier code?

A non-bonded carrier must have all shipments released at the first point of arrival in Canada. A bonded carrier posts financial security and can move in-bond goods beyond that point.

How much is a highway carrier bond in Canada?

The required security is $5,000 per vehicle up to a maximum of $25,000 in Canadian currency.

Is a CBSA carrier code the same as a SCAC?

No. A CBSA carrier code is used for Canadian customs. A SCAC is a separate code used for U.S. filings, such as a PAPS number.

Cross-Border Guide

How to Get a CBSA Carrier Code

A plain-English guide for Canadian and U.S. trucking companies, owner-operators, and dispatchers: what a CBSA carrier code is, how to choose bonded or non-bonded, what to prepare, how to enrol through CARM, and what to do once your code is issued.

Last updated 2026-11-09

In short

A CBSA carrier code is a 4-character identifier that the Canada Border Services Agency assigns to a carrier. To get one, get a business number (BN9), register in the CARM Client Portal, decide whether you need a bonded or non-bonded code, and enrol in the portal. Bonded highway carriers must also post $5,000 per vehicle, up to $25,000, in security.

What a CBSA carrier code is

A carrier code is the unique 4-character identifier CBSA uses to identify a carrier. Carriers need one to do business with CBSA, however often they cross. It also forms the first four characters of each Cargo Control Number, including a PARS number.

CBSA issues one carrier code per legal entity per mode of transport. A corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship gets one highway code, and a subsidiary that is a separate legal entity can apply for its own. [CBSA eligibility] [CBSA highway guidelines]

Question	Answer
Who issues it?	The Canada Border Services Agency
Who is eligible?	A carrier in international commercial transportation that operates a conveyance moving specified goods to or from Canada, as an owner, lessee, charterer, or certain other legal custodians
Format	4 characters
Example in use	Carrier code 12AB plus shipment number 000123 makes the Cargo Control Number 12AB000123
Not the same as	A SCAC, which is the separate carrier code used for U.S. filings

Bonded vs. non-bonded carrier codes

The first decision is which code you need. A non-bonded carrier must have all shipments released at the first point of arrival. A bonded carrier posts security with CBSA and can move in-bond goods beyond that point.

Aspect	Non-bonded	Bonded
Release	All shipments released at the first point of arrival	Can carry in-bond goods beyond the first point of arrival
Moving goods inland for release	Only with a single trip authorization	Yes, to a CBSA office or sufferance warehouse
Transit through Canada, such as U.S. to Canada to U.S.	Only with a single trip authorization	Yes
CSA and FAST programs	Not eligible to apply	Must be bonded to apply
Security with CBSA	None for the code itself	$5,000 per vehicle, up to $25,000
Best fit	Carriers whose loads are cleared at the border	Carriers moving in-bond freight, in-transit freight, or joining trusted trader programs

You can change later A carrier with an active code can change its bonded status in the CARM Client Portal without applying for a new code. [CBSA highway carriers] [CBSA get ready] [CBSA after you enrol]

Before you enrol

You must be registered in the CARM Client Portal to enrol for a new carrier code. Registration requires a business number (BN9), an RM account, and a statement of account or daily notice.

Legal name and business details confirmed.
Proof that your company operates the vehicle, as owner, lessee, or another eligible role.
Business number (BN9) and RM account. Resident businesses can get these while registering, but non-resident businesses must apply for the BN9 first.
Statement of account or daily notice, as requested for CARM registration.
Bonded or non-bonded decision made.
Bond or other security arranged, if bonded.
A plan for ACI eManifest: through a service provider or CBSA's eManifest Portal.

U.S. carriers A U.S. company still needs its own CBSA carrier code to carry commercial goods into Canada. Apply for the BN9 through the Canada Revenue Agency before registering in the portal. A bonded carrier needs a CRA-assigned 15-digit identifier before submitting a bond, whether Canadian or foreign. [CBSA how to enrol] [CBSA highway guidelines]

How to apply for a carrier code

New bonded and non-bonded highway carrier codes are enrolled through the CARM Client Portal. Older instructions that say to email or mail a form for a new code no longer match CBSA's current process.

Get your business number. You need a BN9 to register your business in the portal.
Register in the CARM Client Portal. Create your account and register your business. If you already have a carrier code, you will be asked to confirm it during registration.
Choose bonded or non-bonded. Pick the status that matches the freight you plan to move.
Complete the application. Fill out the carrier enrolment in the portal. To use CBSA's eManifest Portal, select “YES” in the applicable field to request a Shared Secret.
Post security, if bonded. Work with an approved surety provider before starting a non-cash bond, then submit your financial security.
Receive your code. Once CBSA issues it, move on to ACI registration and bar-coded labels.

Need help? CBSA directs application questions to the CARM client service and help desk. Other carrier code program questions go to carrier-cargo@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca. [CBSA FAQ] [CBSA how to enrol]

Bond and security for bonded carriers

Bonded highway carriers must post security of $5,000 per vehicle, up to a maximum of $25,000 in Canadian currency. Security can be a cash deposit or a surety bond from an approved provider.

Vehicles	Security required
1	$5,000
3	$15,000
5 or more	$25,000, the maximum

Check the bond details: the activity secured is bonded carrier operations (highway), under the Transportation of Goods Regulations.
Check the term: the bond must be continuous or for a specified period. With a specified period, the bonded carrier code expires when the bond terminates.
Keep it current: changes to a bond, such as a rider, reinstatement, cancellation, or continuation certificate, must be provided to CBSA.
Moving goods in-bond before your bonded status is approved.

[CBSA highway guidelines] [CBSA get ready] [CBSA FAQ] [CBSA after you enrol]

Single trip authorization for non-bonded carriers

A non-bonded carrier that needs to move goods beyond the first point of arrival can apply for a single trip authorization, which is a one-time bond. It is filed in duplicate at the first point of arrival using Form BSF329-7.

For example, a non-bonded carrier that cannot get release at the first point of arrival and chooses to bring a shipment inland must post a single trip authorization bond there. The security must be paid when you apply. CBSA says this can be done by posting cash or a certified cheque, or by engaging a customs broker who provides the service. [CBSA highway carriers] [CBSA get ready]

Common carrier code mistakes

Most delays come from following outdated application instructions, choosing the wrong status for the freight, or forgetting that the code is only the first step before ACI eManifest and bar-coded labels.

Mistake	Why it hurts
Following old paper-based instructions	CBSA now enrols new carrier codes through the CARM Client Portal.
Starting CARM registration without a BN9	You need the number to register, and non-resident businesses must get it first.
Choosing non-bonded for in-bond work	A non-bonded carrier must have shipments released at the first point of arrival unless it has a single trip authorization.
Applying for a second highway code	CBSA issues one code per legal entity per mode.
Not checking the bond's end date	A bonded code tied to a specified-period bond expires when the bond terminates.
Waiting to order bar-coded labels	CBSA can impose a $1,000 penalty if labels are not presented after the 30-day period.
Assuming the code covers eManifest	You must separately apply to transmit ACI data and complete testing.
Not updating your profile	Carriers must notify CBSA without delay about changes such as name, address, or legal status.

Printable carrier code checklist

This checklist is print-friendly — use your browser's print option to put it on paper. No download required.

Business number (BN9) obtained.
RM account and required statement of account or daily notice ready.
Registered in the CARM Client Portal.
Bonded or non-bonded status chosen.
Security posted for the correct number of vehicles, if bonded.
Carrier enrolment completed in the portal.
Shared Secret requested, if using the eManifest Portal.
Carrier code received and shared with dispatch.
ACI registration and testing started.
Bar-coded labels ordered within 30 days.

Frequently asked questions

What is a CBSA carrier code?: It is a unique 4-character identifier assigned by the Canada Border Services Agency to identify a carrier. Carriers need one to do business with CBSA, and it forms the first four characters of each Cargo Control Number.
How do I get a carrier code in Canada?: Get a business number (BN9), register your business in the CARM Client Portal, and complete the carrier enrolment there as bonded or non-bonded. Bonded carriers must also post financial security.
Do U.S. trucking companies need a CBSA carrier code?: Yes, carriers need a code to do business with CBSA, regardless of how often they cross with commercial goods. Non-resident businesses must apply for a BN9 through the Canada Revenue Agency before registering in the CARM Client Portal.
What is the difference between a bonded and non-bonded carrier code?: A non-bonded carrier must have all shipments released at the first point of arrival in Canada. A bonded carrier posts financial security and can move in-bond goods beyond that point, including inland for release or in transit through Canada.
How much is a highway carrier bond in Canada?: The required security is $5,000 per vehicle up to a maximum of $25,000 in Canadian currency. That is the amount secured with CBSA, not necessarily what a surety provider charges for the bond.
How long does it take to get a carrier code?: CBSA's enrolment pages do not state a standard processing time. Apply well before your first crossing, and allow extra time if you need a BN9 or a bond first.
Can I change from non-bonded to bonded later?: Yes. A carrier with an active code can change its bonded status in the CARM Client Portal without applying for a new code. Moving to bonded requires submitting your financial security information.
Is there a public CBSA carrier code list or lookup?: CBSA's carrier code enrolment pages do not include a public directory of assigned codes. To confirm a code, ask the carrier directly, or check it against the carrier's PARS labels or customs paperwork.
Is a CBSA carrier code the same as a SCAC?: No. A CBSA carrier code is used for Canadian customs. A SCAC is a separate code used for U.S. filings, such as a PAPS number.
Do I need a carrier code for every truck?: No. CBSA issues one carrier code per legal entity per mode of transport, so the same highway code is used across the company's trucks. Bonded security is based on the number of vehicles, up to the maximum.

Sources

CBSA — Who can enrol Definitions and one code per legal entity per mode.
CBSA — Get ready to enrol Prerequisites, bonded status, security amounts, and single trip authorizations.
CBSA — How to enrol CARM registration for resident and non-resident businesses.
CBSA — Highway carrier code application process Application steps, Shared Secret, and customs bond details.
CBSA — Highway carriers Bonded and non-bonded rules, single trip authorization, and the 30-day label period.
CBSA — After you enrol Changes to status, profile, and security, plus records.
CBSA — Carrier code FAQ Application steps, bonds, shared secrets, and contacts.
CBSA — Cargo control and bar-coded labels Cargo Control Numbers, bar-coded labels, and PARS requirements.
CBSA — Printing companies with approved bar codes CBSA's list of printing companies, including BorderPrint.

Disclaimer. This guide is general information, not legal or customs advice. CBSA procedures, systems, and amounts can change. Always confirm current requirements with CBSA or your customs broker before you apply or ship.

After you get your carrier code

Your code is the starting point for crossing into Canada. Once CBSA issues it, register for electronic reporting, get your bar-coded labels within 30 days, and start building your PARS numbers.

Register for ACI eManifest. Apply to transmit advance commercial information and complete the testing process, through a service provider such as BorderConnect or CBSA's eManifest Portal.
Get bar-coded labels within 30 days. CBSA gives highway carriers 30 days after receiving their code. After that, a $1,000 administrative penalty applies if bar-coded labels are not presented with shipments at the border.
Build your PARS numbers. Combine your 4-character code with a unique shipment number, and do not repeat a number within three years.
Keep your account current. Update CBSA about business changes in the portal, and keep your records for three years after the year you transported the goods to Canada.

Next, read How to Get and Use a PARS Number, then order your PARS barcode labels. BorderPrint is on CBSA's list of printing companies with approved bar codes.

Shop PARS barcode labels