Industry-leading Ocean eManifest for Canada

The ACI Ocean eManifest is a digital filing system implemented by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) as part of the Advance Commercial Information (ACI) program. It is designed to streamline customs clearance processes for ocean cargo shipments entering Canada. Under the ACI Ocean eManifest program, ocean carriers, freight forwarders, customs brokers and importers are required to electronically transmit manifest data to CBSA 24 – 96 hours prior to loading or arrival of goods at a Canadian port of entry. The variable time-period for submission is determined by the type of goods and the duration of the ocean vessel’s journey. 

ACI ocean requirements pertain to carriers and trade participants involved in importing goods into Canada via ocean vessels. Since 2006, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) mandates that all marine carriers submit electronic cargo and conveyance data. For voyages with a duration of less than 24 hours, this data must be reported at the time of departure from the foreign port. 

It is the responsibility of the ocean carrier to electronically submit ocean conveyance and cargo reports to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) through the Automated Commercial Information (ACI) system using Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) connection. This requirement applies to all ocean vessels transporting commercial goods arriving at any Canadian port, including import, in-transit, and Freight Remaining on Board (FROB) cargo. Additionally, the carrier must submit empty cargo container data to the CBSA for all non-exempt import, in-transit, or FROB containers.

The freight forwarder or their authorized provider is responsible for submitting electronic supplementary and house bill data to the CBSA. Supplementary data is mandatory for all non-exempt FROB cargo, while house bill data is required for all non-exempt consolidated import, in-bond, and in-transit shipments. 

Apply for a Canadian carrier code for ACI reporting purposes. This code is necessary for identifying the carrier in the ACI system and facilitating the submission of advance cargo information to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Subscribe to and complete the CBSA application online. The CBSA application process involves providing necessary information and documentation to register for ACI reporting and receive access to the CBSA’s online portal for submitting advance cargo information.

Once you have completed the CBSA application process, proceed to sign up online with us. Our platform offers seamless integration with the CBSA’s systems, making it easy for carriers and freight forwarders to submit ACI data accurately and efficiently. 

When your account setup is successfully completed by our Billing Department, you’re all set to begin filing and submitting your ACI Ocean eManifests. 

For A6 form: Carrier Code, Vessel Name and Code, Voyage #, Nationality of Vessel, Master Operator Name, Conveyance Reference Number, Number of Crew, # of Passengers, Conveyance Type Code, Customs Procedure, Vessel, Registration Number IMO #, Registration Date, Place of Registration, Net Registered Tonnage, Gross Registered Tonnage, Containerized Cargo Tonnage, Non-Containerized Tonnage, Summer Dead Weight, Overall Length and UOM.

Certificates Section: Safety Certificate No., Expiry Date, Radio Cert #, and Expiry Date. Equipment Cert # and Expiry Date, Load Line Cert # and Expiry Date. Derat Cert # and Expiry Date Party Section: Shipping Liine, Shipping Agent Itinerary: Port of Call Status Notification: Name, Email, Phone #, Notification Type.

For A6A form: Form Type, Carrier Code, Cargo Control Number, Mode of Transport, Bill of Laing #, Bulk Shipment Parties: Shipper, Consignee Shipment: Item Description, #of packages and UOM, Gross weight and UOM. Status Notification: Name, Email and Notification Type.