Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Systems

Procedures to Follow During System Outages/Interruptions

The following procedures should be followed during a CBSA, other government department (OGD) or client system outage/interruption:

• Where clients must revert to paper because of a CBSA/OGD system outage/interruption, a paper Release on Minimum Documentation (RMD), accompanied by an exception lead sheet indicating "system outage," will be accepted.
• In the event of a client system outage, CBSA officers will accept paper RMDs. An exception lead sheet indicating “system outage” must accompany the paper RMD. If a CBSA officer feels that a client is using this exception as a means to avoid the requirement to transmit information electronically, the officer’s concerns will be communicated to CBSA Headquarters for follow up with the client. 
• During a CBSA or OGD system outage/interruption, clients may contact the Electronic Commerce Unit line at 1-888-957-7224 to obtain the current status of CBSA/OGD systems. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Clients who are not located in the same area as the CBSA office of release may ask a local customs broker to submit the paper release request on their behalf under the conditions outlined in Memorandum D1-6-1, Authority to Act as Agent, paragraph 5.
• The CBSA continues to explore more advanced technological solutions to replace or augment the current policy of reverting to a paper process for the release of commercial goods during a system outage.