The use of the generic sub-location (9000) code in all modes
Customs Notice 19-04

1. This notice provides clarification regarding the use of the 9000 generic type sub-location (Warehouse Office) code on cargo reports in all modes.

2. Sub-location codes are data elements that carriers and freight forwarders must include on all cargo control documents for import and in-transit shipments (FPOA-destined non-consolidated highway cargo are exempt).

3. The sub-location code is a four-digit identification number that identifies the location of goods, namely the sufferance warehouse where the goods are destined or will be destined in case they are referred, and are utilized by the CBSA to send appropriate electronic notifications.

4. For in-bond movements, the sub-location code on release requests is a mandatory data element. The sub-location code on a release request should match the sub-location code on a cargo document.

5. In some instances, goods arriving in Canada, are not destined to a sufferance warehouse (for example, frontier-destined shipments in the highway mode). In these instances, a specific sub-location code cannot or is not provided by the carrier, and a generic (9000) code is permissible to be used instead.

6. The 9000 generic sub-location code is formulated by a 9 + the CBSA Port Code. For example, Toronto is Port Code 495 so the generic sub-location would be 9495.

7. These instances are:

Air:

• Goods arriving by air, which land at an airport where a suitable sufferance warehouse does not exist to store those types of goods. These goods must be released prior to their offload from the aircraft, and the port must be a designated airport (AOE) port of entry.

Marine:

• Goods arriving in bulk in the marine mode, which are offloaded in an area where a suitable sufferance warehouse does not exist to store those types of goods. These goods must be released prior to their offload from the vessel and the port must be a designated commercial vessel (C/VESS) port of entry.
  • Note:
  • If the First Port of Arrival (FPOA) is the same to the port of destination for the cargo, the Conveyance Arrival Certification Message (CACM) will arrive all cargo reports transmitted for that conveyance. No CBSA intervention.
  • If the FPOA is different from the port of destination for the cargo (in-bond) and there is a suitable warehouse/terminal that has a CBSA-issued sub-location where the goods are destined, the use of a generic 9000 is not permitted. In this case, the cargo must indicate the CBSA issued sub-location code of where the goods are destined. The sufferance warehouse must submit the Warehouse Arrival Certification Message (WACM) to the CBSA to electronically arrive the goods.
  • If the FPOA is different from the port of destination for the cargo (in-bond) and the goods qualify for the use of the generic 9000 sub-location code (as per rules above), the carrier must request CBSA to manually arrive the cargo in the system within the local CBSA office business hours. Please note that the importer and/or their broker may seek to release the goods at FPOA, and thus avoid the need for manual CBSA intervention inland.

Goods transiting through Canada (except those on form A8B):

• Carriers and freight forwarders may use the 9000 generic sub-location code on their cargo documents when the movement type is displayed as in-transit, and the goods are not destined to a sufferance warehouse prior to leaving Canada. The carrier and the freight forwarder must display the generic version of the sub-location code corresponding with the port of export. The liability for the goods must remain with the same cargo carrier as the goods move into and out of Canada.

Highway and Rail First Port of Arrival (FPOA):

• The use of 9000 generic sub-location code is permitted on cargo destined to FPOA in rail and highway.
  (note: a sublocation code is not necessary for non-consolidated highway cargo destined to FPOA)

8. If the carrier or freight forwarder uses a generic sub-location code, it must correspond with the CBSA customs office where the goods are destined.

9. For a list of generic sub-location codes, please visit: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/codes/generic-eng.html.

10. For more information, within Canada, call the Border Information Service at 1-800-461-9999. From outside Canada call 204-983-3500 or 506-636-5064. Long distance charges will apply. Agents are available Monday to Friday (08:00 – 16:00 local time/except statutory holidays). TTY is also available within Canada: 1-866-335-3237.

Date modified:

2019-02-28