1. This notice provides new information regarding the end date of the zero-rated penalty period under the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) for electronic house bills that began on January 4, 2021. This transitionary period will end July 4th, 2021.
2. Electronic house bills for consolidated cargo arriving on or after July 5th, 2021, may be subject to monetary AMPS penalties if freight forwarders are not compliant with electronic house bill, close messages and supplementary reports requirements.
3. The publication of these regulatory amendments made eManifest requirements for freight forwarders legally binding. However, the CBSA had provided an extended voluntary period for eManifest requirements for freight forwarders.
4. These mandatory requirements apply to bonded and non-bonded freight forwarders who are responsible for consolidated (including back to back) imports, and shipments transiting through Canada. The existing processes for consolidated freight remaining on board (FROB) shipments will continue in the air and marine modes.
5. The requirement to transmit electronic house bill and supplementary data is the liability of the freight forwarder, as defined in the Reporting of Imported Goods Regulations: “freight forwarder” means a person who, on behalf of one or more owners, importers, shippers or consignees of goods, causes specified goods to be transported by one or more carriers; (agent d’expédition). Freight forwarders or carriers who meet this definition may transmit supplementary data and house bill data using their own carrier code.
6. As with many CBSA processes, business to business communication is essential to ensure the appropriate information is transmitted to the CBSA.
7. As of July 5th, 2021, ACI related AMPS may be issued to freight forwarders when non-compliance is detected. Some examples of AMPS penalties are listed below.
8. For details on new electronic house bill systems rules, refer to Chapter 5 of the Electronic Commerce Client Requirements Document (ECCRD). For details on new arrival system rules, refer to the modal chapters of the ECCRD.
9. Clients who are not already registered and participating in electronic house bills should contact the Technical Commercial Client Unit (TCCU). You may contact the TCCU by email at tccu-ustcc@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca or by calling 1-888-957-7224 and selecting Option:
10. The CBSA also strongly urges freight forwarders to register for electronic notices, which includes the Deconsolidation Notice. Clients may refer to Chapter 11 of the ECCRD or contact the TCCU for more information.
11. For email support on eManifest policy and processes, contact the eManifest Help Desk at emanifest-manifestelectronique@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.
12. For additional information regarding the pre-arrival and reporting requirements for freight forwarders.
13. For additional information regarding eManifest requirements, clients may visit the https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/aci-manif-ipec/menu-eng.html.