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Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Systems
Overview: EDI Applications
Features
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EDI Applications are available for:
Commercial Importing
The CBSA commercial importation process is made up of three major components: cargo reporting, release, and entry and accounting. The following is an overview of the available EDI applications for each of these components.
Cargo Reporting Initiatives
Advance Commercial Information (ACI)The purpose of ACI is to identify threats to Canada’s health, safety, and security prior to the arrival of cargo and conveyances in Canada. Carriers and freight forwarders submit electronic cargo and conveyance data to CBSA within advance timeframes.
Electronic Commerce Client Requirements Document |
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More Information |
Release Initiatives
Accelerated Commercial Release Operations Support System (ACROSS)The purpose of ACROSS is to provide importers and brokers with the ability to transmit release and invoice data in an electronic format, thereby removing the requirement to present hardcopy release packages. The release data is reviewed by a CBSA Inspector who will make a release recommendation (in the case of pre-arrival) or a release decision (in the case of post-arrival). Processing acknowledgements (pre-arrival) or release decisions (post-arrival) will be returned via EDI to the originating importer/broker.
Enhancements have been added to ACROSS to support the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and other government department (OGD) release transactions (NRCAN and Transport Tires). If CFIA transactions are submitted via EDI they will be transferred electronically to CFIA to make a release recommendation or decision.
Electronic Commerce Client Requirements Document |
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More Information |
CSA is a progressive approach to the import process that provides for streamlined border clearance, trade data reporting, adjustment, revenue reporting and payment. At the border CSA eligible goods are authorized to be delivered to the place of business of the importer, owner or consignee, based on minimal information that identifies the CSA approved importer, the CSA approved carrier and the registered driver. This program enables them to use their own systems to fully self-assess and meet their customs obligations.
More Information |
The RNS service offers a more timely and efficient notification of release decisions made by the CBSA by providing brokers, importers, carriers and warehouse operators with electronic RNS messages. RNS participants will be instantly notified when a transaction is released, as well as when a pre-arrival (PARS) transaction is approved by the CBSA.
Electronic Commerce Client Requirements Document |
Release on full documentation (RFD) is a service option that allows importers or agents to obtain the release of a shipment by submitting release and accounting information in a single EDI transmission, while deferring the payment of duties and taxes to a later date (usually on a monthly basis). Importers or agents can transmit the information either before, or when, a shipment arrives. If they have an established relationship with a known supplier, they can submit the release and accounting information to CBSA officials before the release of the goods.
Although the RFD process is a G7 Initiative, it is not restricted to shipments from G7 countries.
More information |
Entry and Accounting Initiative
Customs Automated Data Exchange (CADEX)The CADEX system provides importers and brokers the ability to transmit their accounting documents, for goods already released, in an electronic format to CBSA, thereby removing the need to present hardcopy versions of the documents.
This system also enables participants to query certain CBSA files, receive K84 accounting data, as well as receive release notifications, file updates and listings or releases for which acquittal is overdue.
Customs Declaration (CUSDEC)CUSDEC offers the same opportunities as the CADEX system. However, the electronic data is transmitted to the CBSA using the international programming language known as UN/EDIFACT (United Nations/ Electronic Data Interchange For Administration Commerce and Transport). Please note that CUSDEC clients do not receive release notifications and therefore are required to sign up for RNS as well.
Commercial Exporting
Exporters may use either the CAED software or the G7 EDI Export Reporting application as methods of reporting export goods via EDI. Both methods are joint initiatives between CBSA and Statistics Canada.
Canadian Automated Export Declaration (CAED)CAED is a free and secure software provided by Statistics Canada that gives registered exporters and agents the opportunity to report goods electronically, over the Internet, to the Federal Government of Canada instead of via the paper-based reporting method. This user-friendly software package automates the preparation of CBSA's B13A, Export Declaration.
More information or Registration |
CAED |
The G7 export process provides Canadian exporters the ability to file export declarations for each shipment electronically using an electronic message format that is standard within the G7 countries. The exporter will also be able to provide an electronic copy of the G7 export declaration to the importer/agent in the importing country. The opportunity to share export/import information electronically with trading partners in other G7 countries expedites the clearance of Canadian exports in other countries, thereby promoting the competitiveness of Canadian exporters.
More information or Registration |
G7 Export |
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