Customs Compliance
ACI eManifest requires carriers to submit cargo information to CBSA before arrival in Canada. This guide explains acceptable vs unacceptable cargo descriptions and how to stay compliant.
ACI eManifest is CBSA's pre-arrival cargo reporting program. Carriers must submit electronic cargo data before a shipment arrives at a Canadian border. The cargo description must be specific enough for CBSA to identify the goods — vague terms like "general merchandise" or "household goods" are not acceptable and can result in penalties or border delays.
ACI eManifest
CBSA's Advance Commercial Information (ACI) program requires carriers to electronically transmit cargo and conveyance information before a shipment arrives at a Canadian port of entry. This allows CBSA to assess risk and identify shipments requiring examination before they arrive.
The carrier (trucking company, rail operator, or airline) is responsible for submitting conveyance and cargo information. Importers and their customs brokers must ensure the cargo description provided to the carrier is accurate and sufficiently specific.
Cargo Descriptions
CBSA requires that cargo descriptions identify the actual goods. The examples below are drawn from CBSA guidance on ACI compliance.
Specific enough for CBSA to identify the goods
Too vague — CBSA cannot identify the goods
FAQ
Clear answers for Canadian importers evaluating freight forwarding, China–Canada shipping, and integrated logistics options.
ACI eManifest (Advance Commercial Information) is CBSA's electronic pre-arrival reporting program. Carriers and freight forwarders must submit cargo and conveyance information to CBSA before a shipment arrives at a Canadian border. This allows CBSA to assess risk before goods arrive.
The carrier (truck, rail, or air) is responsible for submitting the conveyance and cargo information. Freight forwarders and importers must ensure their cargo details — particularly the cargo description — are accurate and submitted on time.
An acceptable cargo description is specific enough for CBSA to identify the goods. It must describe the actual product — for example, 'wooden dining chairs' rather than 'furniture'. Vague terms like 'general merchandise', 'household goods', or 'various items' are not acceptable.
CBSA can issue Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs) for late, inaccurate, or missing e-manifest submissions. Cargo may also be held at the border pending corrected documentation, causing delays and additional costs.
Eztrans and Ezcustoms handle e-manifest compliance and customs entry filing for every shipment. Contact us to discuss your import requirements.