Commercial procedures during scheduled and unscheduled outages
System Outage Contingency Plan
Ottawa, December 20, 2024

In brief

This replaces the previous version dated June 2023. The following changes have been made:

Complete review and various minor updates to ensure alignment with CARM.
Added procedures for release processing of C-Type Commercial Accounting Documents, Bonded Warehouse Entries and Temporary Admission Permits in section 2.6, which become effective with the implementation of CARM on October 21, 2024.
Added CARM Client Portal to the list of outages in section 4.1.

1. Introduction

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) System Outage Contingency Plan (SOCP) sets out the procedures for the importation and exportation of commercial goods in all modes of transportation during a CBSA systems outage.

These procedures are operational and relate to movement and/or customs release of commercial goods. Post-release accounting and trade related procedures are not within the scope of the SOCP.

An outage is defined as a "temporary suspension of operations to the electronic systems". Please refer to Section 4.0: Appendix A for a description of various types of outages and scopes/impacts.

It is important to note that the procedures outlined in Section 2 apply only in the case of CBSA outages.

1.1 Invocation and revocation of contingency procedures

The Technical Commercial Client Unit (TCCU) of the CBSA invokes contingency procedures through the issuance of email bulletins when the following systems experience outages: eManifest Portal, Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS) Portal, CARM Client Portal (CCP), Commercial Accounting Declaration (CAD)/Application Program Interface (API), Single Window Initiative (SWI) and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). Subscribe at the following link: Electronic Data Interchange / Portal Clients. Contingency procedures will be revoked when the outage is over.

E-mail bulletins are issued in advance of scheduled outages and to communicate system statuses during unscheduled outages. E-mail bulletins will be provided with the following frequency until resolved:

Unscheduled System Outage:

Business hours (8 am to 5 pm Eastern time, Monday to Friday) - every 2 hours
After hours - every 4 hours until 10 pm
Bulletins will be sent between 10 pm and 8 am only when there is new information to report

Unscheduled System Delay:

Business hours (8 am to 5 pm Eastern time, Monday to Friday) - every 4 hours
After hours - every 4 hours until 10 pm
Bulletins will be sent between 10 pm and 8 am only when there is new information to report

External clients should assume that the outage is still ongoing unless a "resolved" message has been provided.

The CBSA regional operations will continue to receive information about system outages through email notifications and other methods, as required.

1.2 Communications protocol during outages

The Technical Commercial Client Unit TCCU provides a toll free number to assist external clients with technical issues or problems relating to eManifest Portal, Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS) Portal, Single Window Initiative (SWI) and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). The toll free telephone number is 1-888-957-7224 within Canada and the United States, and +1-613-946-0762 for overseas clients

The toll free number provides a broadcast message that indicates the status of eManifest Portal, Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS) Portal, Single Window Initiative (SWI) and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) CBSA services. Once a systems outage and/or delay has been reported, the TCCU will accordingly update the broadcast message. When TCCU receives notice that an outage has been resolved by CBSA’s technical support teams, the broadcast message will be updated to indicate all systems/services are functioning normally. A table outlining the services provided by the Technical Commercial Client Unit (TCCU) during business hours and after business hours on an emergency basis can be found at the following link: EDI/Portal services supported by the Technical Commercial Client Unit.

The CARM Technical Support Unit (CTSU) provides a toll free number to assist external clients with technical issues or problems relating to CAD/API services during business hours and after business hours. The toll free telephone number is 1-800-461-9999 within Canada and the United States, and 1-204-983-3500 or 1-506-636-5064 for overseas clients.

The toll free number provides a broadcast message that indicates the status of CAD/API services. Once a systems outage and/or delay has been reported, the CTSU will accordingly update the broadcast message. When CTSU receives notice that an outage has been resolved by CBSA’s technical support teams, the broadcast message will be updated to indicate all systems/services are functioning normally.

1.3 External client outages

External clients will inform the Technical Commercial Client Unit TCCU by telephone (refer to section 1.2) of unscheduled outages of their systems as soon as possible once they are made aware of an unscheduled outage and advise once resolved.

External clients will inform TCCU of scheduled outages at least 24 hours in advance.

In case of an outage, full paper documentation must be presented. See D3 series Memoranda for paper Cargo Control Documents (CCDs) requirements, D8 series for temporary imports, D17 series for paper release requests and D20 for export. Some paper requests may be submitted by email at offices that offer the Electronic Longroom service. Consult the CBSA Directory for a list of offices that offer the service.

CARM CAD/API clients will inform the CARM Technical Support Unit (CTSU) by telephone (refer to section 1.2) of unscheduled outages affecting their systems, as soon as possible. Similarly, they will contact CTSU to indicate, when the outage has been resolved.

External clients will inform CTSU of scheduled outages at least 24 hours in advance.

Note: The CBSA does not issue bulletins related to external outages. When external clients, including third party service providers, experience systems outages, CBSA regional operations will accept paper release requests with an EDI Lead Sheet that indicates a systems outage, as documented in paragraphs 60-61 of Memorandum D17-1-4 - Release of Commercial Goods.

If an external client is victim of a cybersecurity incident that impacts the company’s ability to transmit transactions to the CBSA, the TCCU should be informed as quickly as possible so they can advise the CBSA Cyber Security Protection Center.

In addition, clients should report the incident to the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security.

2. Procedures during CBSA outages

2.1 Key principles

External clients must transmit data to the CBSA at least 2 hours prior to the start time of any scheduled outage to ensure that pre-arrival transmission timelines are met for shipments expected to arrive at the border during the outage.
External clients are required to electronically transmit all trade documents processed via the contingency plan once the outage is resolved. It is therefore recommended that clients continue transmission of electronic data during the outage (if possible) for queuing and expediting the recovery process.
Regardless of the outage condition, Other Government Departments’ (OGDs) requirements must be met prior to release or export.
The Agency does not consider the presentation of the 14-digit transaction number to be proof that Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) or OGD requirements have been met.
BSOs may request more information and/or refer a shipment for examination.
External clients will submit 2 copies, for both import and export declarations, of the completed paper documentation required before receiving an authorization to move or release for importations or proceeding with an exportation.
1. For goods destined for import:
  CBSA will stamp both copies of the paper documentation, returning 1 copy to the client and retaining the other copy for post-resumption validation:
  1. Where the goods are released, the border services officer (BSO) stamps each copy of the documentation.
  2. Where goods have been authorized to move in-bond, the BSO stamps the reverse side of the CCD.
2. For goods destined for export:
  A BSO at the export reporting office, will stamp each copy of the BSF844 – Exporter contingency form.
The stamped copy of the carrier documentation serves as proof of report that:
1. the requirements of section 12(1) of the Customs Act have been satisfied;
2. the authority for the carrier to deliver goods;
3. the indication that the responsibility is now with the customs broker/importer to provide interim release data.
A stamped copy of the BSF844 – Exporter contingency form indicates that the CBSA has had an opportunity to review the form, and, can be provided to an MOU carrier as proof of report. However, the reporting requirements related to section 95 (1) of the Customs Act have not been met and responsibility remains with the exporter to report their goods to the CBSA once the system outage is resolved.
External clients will retain all stamped paper documents presented during the outage as proof that all goods have been either reported by the importer or exporter and released, moved in-bond or exported.
A Bulletin will be issued once the system outage is resolved.
Paper contingency forms will be accepted for up to two hours following the outage.
External clients unable or that have opted not to transmit their trade documents via an alternate method of electronic communication will transmit their trade documents within 24 business hours of the system functionality being restored; trade documents include release, cargo, conveyance, house bills and export declarations and will be reported using the actual date and time of release for imports or the date and time of departure from the export reporting office closest to the place of exit of the goods for exports.
After the outage, once the EDI documentation including release requests have been processed by the CBSA, external clients using this transmission method will receive an electronic message and/or release notification.
No monetary penalties will be issued to external clients for failure to transmit required data during a scheduled or an unscheduled outage and for the 2 hours following system resumption.

2.2 CBSA outage procedures overview

CBSA outage procedures overview
	Import		Export
Timeframe	eManifest Portal	EDI	CERS Portal	G7 EDI
Pre-Outage	Submit Electronic Data 2 hours prior to scheduled outages.	Submit Electronic Data 2 hours prior to scheduled outages.	Submit Electronic Data 2 hours prior to scheduled outages.	Submit Electronic Data 2 hours prior to scheduled outages.
During an Outage	If the Portal allows it, submit your electronic data during an outage. Complete the applicable contingency documents and print two copies. If applicable, ensure to complete documents required by Other Government Departments (OGDs).	If the EDI allows it, submit your electronic data during an outage. Complete the applicable contingency documents and print two copies. If applicable, ensure to complete documents required by Other Government Departments (OGDs).	If the Portal allows it, submit your electronic data during an outage. Complete the applicable contingency documents and print two copies. If applicable, ensure to complete documents required by Other Government Departments (OGDs).	If the EDI allows it, submit your electronic data during an outage. Complete the applicable contingency documents and print two copies. If applicable, ensure to complete documents required by Other Government Departments (OGDs).
	Present the contingency documents at the Port of Report: If released, the BSO will stamp both copies. If moving in-bond, the BSO will stamp the reverse sides. * Retain the copies of your stamped contingency documents.	Present the contingency documents at the Port of Report: If released, the BSO will stamp both copies. If moving in-bond, the BSO will stamp the reverse sides. * Retain the copies of your stamped contingency documents.	Present the contingency documents at the Export Reporting Office: If the export can proceed, the BSO will stamp both copies. * Retain the copies of your stamped contingency documents.	Present the contingency documents at the Export Reporting Office: If the export can proceed, the BSO will stamp both copies. * Retain the copies of your stamped contingency documents.
	Upon submission of the contingency documents, more information may be requested or the goods may be examined.	Upon submission of the contingency documents, more information may be requested or the goods may be examined.	Upon submission of the contingency documents, more information may be requested or the goods may be examined.	Upon submission of the contingency documents, more information may be requested or the goods may be examined.
Post-Outage	Paper contingency documents will be accepted for two hours following a system outage.	Paper contingency documents will be accepted for two hours following a system outage.	Paper contingency documents will be accepted for two hours following a system outage.	Paper contingency documents will be accepted for two hours following a system outage.
	If no electronic information was submitted before or during an outage, clients have up to 24 hours to submit their electronic declarations after the outage.	If no electronic information was submitted before or during an outage, clients have up to 24 hours to submit their electronic declarations after the outage.	If no electronic information was submitted before or during an outage, clients have up to 24 hours to submit their electronic declarations after the outage.	If no electronic information was submitted before or during an outage, clients have up to 24 hours to submit their electronic declarations after the outage.
		Any electronic declarations submitted during an outage will receive an electronic acknowledgment and/or release notification once the documentation and release request have been processed.		Any electronic declarations submitted during an outage will receive an electronic acknowledgment and/or release notification once the documentation and release request have been processed.
Important Note: No monetary penalties will be issued to external clients for failure to transmit required data during a scheduled or an unscheduled outage and for the 2 hours following system resumption.

2.3 Carrier pre-arrival and import reporting procedures

Carriers will need to provide a paper copy of the cargo control document CCD to the importer or their agent for release purposes or to the warehouse operator for inland movement.

For further information on pre-arrival and reporting procedural requirements for import, in bond, in-transit and Freight Remaining on Board cargo, refer to the D3 - Transportation series relating to the particular mode of transportation. These include:

2.3.1 Inland movement

Bonded carriers may make arrangements with the CBSA to have the goods transported in-bond to an inland sufferance warehouse. The BSO first determines if goods are admissible prior to authorizing any shipment to move in-bond. It is the carrier’s responsibility to notify the customs broker/importer of the change to the release office and sub-location code where the goods are to be moved.

2.3.2 Highway

During an outage, carriers must fulfill their legislative obligation to report goods to the CBSA by presenting 2 copies of a CCD, or equivalent (stack manifest, PARS bar codes, print out of ACI EDI cargo transmittal), to the applicable CBSA office.

Customs Self-Assessment (CSA) highway carriers submit a lead sheet with the CSA service option, the carrier code and the importer business number. The driver must also present a valid driver’s Commercial Driver Registration Program (CDRP)/Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card.

For CSA clearances, carriers follow current procedures using the 3 barcodes on a lead sheet and should indicate "CBSA System Down at Time of Report"
For non-CSA clearances, the driver must produce the supporting documentation for each shipment (for example, bill of lading, contract of carriage) upon request. Where release is requested at the First Point of Arrival (FPOA) each copy of the supporting documentation must include a 14-digit transaction number.

The BSO reviews the documentation and makes a ‘release’, ‘authorize to move’, or ‘authorize to deliver’ decision for each shipment.

2.3.3 Rail

Rail carriers are to submit a Form A1 Train Report Inward to the nearest FPOA to where the train crosses, ensuring that there is a Cargo Control Number (CCN) indicated for each shipment.

All unreleased rail cargo moves inland (refer to section 2.3.1) and is held until notification from the CBSA.

2.3.4 Air

Air carriers are to present the flight number or Conveyance Reference Number (CRN) on paper for proof of report/arrival for conveyances.

Furthermore, they must provide the paper air waybill for each cargo on the conveyance.

CSA air carriers to present a print out of air CSA data elements (Service Option 521) to CBSA for stamping as proof of report and authorization to deliver.

2.3.5 Marine

Carrier to submit 2 copies of the Form A6 General Declaration and the Form A6A Freight/Cargo Manifest to the CBSA office at the FPOA.

2.4 Export reporting procedures

In the event of an outage of the CERS Portal or G7 EDI reporting method, exporters and customs service providers (CSPs) who need to report to the CBSA must use a paper method.

For further information on reporting procedural requirements for exports refer to:

2.4.1 All modes

During a CERS Portal or G7 EDI systems outage, exporters or CSPs must fulfill their legislative obligation to report, to the CBSA, goods destined for export by presenting 2 identical copies of the BSF844 – Exporter contingency form, to the export reporting office that is closest to the place of exit of the goods. The BSO will assess the documentation and stamp both copies using a date/time stamp if no examination is required.

After submitting a BSF844 – Exporter contingency form, the exporter must provide the generic code: "ECD" to the exporting carrier. If the exporting carrier has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the CBSA they must enter this generic code: "ECD" on the associated waybill submission or in the Associated Transport Document Number field on the associated electronic cargo control document (for marine mode).

For procedures to follow once the system functionalities resume, refer to Section 3: Post-outage procedures.

2.5 Import deconsolidation

During outage periods Freight Forwarders may perform deconsolidation by presenting paper house bills at the CBSA office where the goods are located. Email may be used to submit at offices that offer the Electronic Longroom service.

2.6 Import release

Customs brokers/importers may obtain release during outages by presenting paper release requests at the CBSA office where the goods are located.

As outlined in D17-1-4, paper release requests will be presented with an EDI Exception lead sheet with the "System Outage" box selected. Email may be used to submit at offices that offer the Electronic Longroom service.

2.6.1 CARM Client Portal outages

This section applies to the processing of shipments dependent on the CARM Client Portal (CCP), including C-type and Type-10 Commercial Accounting Documents, and Temporary Admission Permits.

If the importer does not have a Business Number (BN15) there are two options:

The importer may use the services of a licensed customs broker, who may use their Business Number (BN15) for the purpose of obtaining the release and to account for commercial goods.
For C-type Commercial Accounting Documents (CAD) only, the BSO will facilitate the release and accounting for shipments by extending the use of the CBSA administrative BN15 for importers that are not using a broker. Extension of Release Prior to Payment (RPP) privileges (e.g., “on account”) will not be extended. Importers will be required to pay applicable duties and taxes at time of release.

2.6.1.1 Commercial Accounting Document (CAD)

When the CARM Client Portal (CCP) is not operational, the importer will fill out a Form BSF946, Exception Commercial Accounting Document (ECAD) and present the CAD package to the CBSA release office for processing, in accordance with the guidelines in D17-1-10. The use of Form BSF946 requires the manual calculation of duties and taxes payable to the CBSA, and importers/brokers are expected to verify calculations before submitting to the CBSA.

Note: If the importer has submitted a CAD online and the CARM Internal Portal (CIP) is operational, a copy of the CAD can be printed by CBSA office and no contingency form is required. The importer can ask the CBSA office BSO or clerks on the CIP status before filling the form.

The BSO will process the CAD package in the CIP and release the goods using the CBSA release system. If the internal systems are also in an outage, the paper release package will be keyed in the CIP and release system by a BSO when the outage is over.

Note: In the event the BSO is unable to generate a transaction number, “Outage – TBD” will be indicated on the contingency form and cargo control document.

Importers will obtain final copies of processed CADs from the CARM Client Portal after the outage. If the amount owing calculated by the CARM system does not match what was manually collected during the outage, additional duties and taxes may be owed or credited to the importer’s account.

2.6.1.2 Temporary Admission Permit (TAP)

When the CARM Client Portal (CCP) is not operational, the importer will fill out a Form BSF865, Exception Temporary Admission Permit (ETAP) and present the TAP package to the CBSA release office for processing, in accordance with the guidelines in D8-1-4.

If the importer has submitted a TAP online and the CARM Internal Portal (CIP) is operational, a copy of the TAP can be printed by the CBSA office and no contingency form is required.

The BSO will process the TAP package in the CIP, if operational. If the internal systems are also in an outage, the BSO will key the TAP package into the CIP when the outage is over.

Note: In the event the BSO is unable to generate a TAP number, “Outage – TBD” will be indicated on the contingency form and cargo control document.

Importers will obtain final copies of processed TAPs from the CARM Client Portal after the outage.

In the event the client chooses to submit a paper CAD to obtain release during the outage, please revert to 2.6.1.1.

2.6.1.3 Customs Bonded Warehouse entries

In order to expedite the processing of shipments destined to a Customs Bonded Warehouse (CBW) during a CARM outage, CBSA advise that importers revert to the RMD process (EDI or paper) to obtain release. Once the outage is over, the importer/CBW will present a Type 10 CAD in the CARM Client Portal.

In the event the client chooses to submit a paper CAD to obtain release during the outage, please revert to 2.6.1.1.

2.6.2 Highway FPOA release

To avoid significant border wait times at highway entry points as a result of CBSA systems outages, a streamlined release process is available for highway shipments clearing at the FPOA. This process is available only for highway clearances at the FPOA during CBSA systems outages.

For release of highway shipments at the FPOA the carrier will present 2 copies of the CCD, or equivalent (in other words, stack manifest (if approved), PARS bar codes, print out of ACI EDI cargo transmittal), and lead sheet indicating "System Outage" plus any OGD licences, permits, certificates or other (LPCO), as required.

A 14-digit transaction number is required for each shipment that is being cleared at the border. This number is obtained from the customs broker/importer. It is preferable that the transaction number be barcoded, however during a system outage, the CBSA will accept handwritten transaction numbers.

Presentation of a transaction number for the purposes of obtaining release of the goods during a CBSA system outage is a commitment from the customs broker /importer to provide interim accounting or final accounting documentation after the system is restored and within the timeframes set out in Memorandum D17-1-5 : Registration, Accounting and Payment for Commercial Goods.

2.6.3 Determining release status during an EDI outage

The Accelerated Commercial Release Operations Support System (ACROSS) must be operational for the options below to be used and release requests must already be transmitted to the CBSA for processing prior to the system outage.

Option 1: Cargo control document

The client will present the paper CCD for the shipment, with a CBSA machine readable barcoded CCN or Transaction Number, at a CBSA office and indicate that they would like to know the release status. The BSO will verify the status in ACROSS. In the event it is released, the BSO will release-stamp the CCD and return it to the client as proof of release.

Option 2: Multiple Shipment Release Query form

To streamline the querying of multiple shipments, the Multiple Shipment Release Query form (refer to section 4.2) may be used. The form may be modified by clients if the barcoded data remains CBSA machine readable.

This form is to be submitted to the CBSA office of release. The original CBSA stamped copy will be returned to the client. Email may be used to submit at offices that offer the Electronic Longroom service.

2.6.4 Acceptable proof of release during an outage

Acceptable proof of release includes a CBSA release-stamped CCD, Multiple Shipment Release Query form, or printed Release Notification System (RNS) message. Proof of release is acceptable in original or digital form if the CBSA stamp is clearly visible.

2.7 Sufferance and customs bonded warehouses

During outages licensed warehouses will ensure paper record keeping is used to record goods taken into and released from warehouses.

The warehouse operator will receive the paper CCD or equivalent from carrier to place goods in the warehouse.

Upon receiving acceptable proof of release (refer to 2.6.4) the warehouse operator releases the shipment from their warehouse.

If the warehouse operator receives a "referred for exam” notice for a shipment that was previously manually released, the CBSA requests that, if the shipment is still in their warehouse, the warehouse operator holds the shipment for examination.

3. Post-outage procedures

Upon system resumption, all import and export clients must electronically submit (within 24 business hours) all trade documents and notifications for shipments processed during the contingency period and correct any electronic messaging errors or rejects.

Important note: Delays or failure to submit electronic trade documents past the 24-hour timeframe following a systems outage may result in monetary penalties for both imports and exports.

For shipments that were released on paper during an outage, customs brokers may use a Pre-Arrival Release System (PARS) service option when transmitting the release data when the system is functioning again.

3.1 Post-outage message transmission for importations

Import clients must ensure all messages transmitted to the CBSA after an outage are submitted in the order listed below, to avoid receiving error or reject messages.

Post-outage message transmission for importations
	Highway	Rail	Air
Cargo	Must be transmitted/captured in CBSA system before the conveyance is transmitted/captured.		No specific order in which cargo and conveyance must be transmitted/captured.
Conveyance	Must be transmitted once all related cargo is captured in CBSA system. Must be transmitted/captured in CBSA system before close message is transmitted/captured.		No specific order in which cargo and conveyance must be transmitted/captured. Must be transmitted/captured in CBSA system before close message is transmitted/captured.
House bills	Must be transmitted/captured in our system before close message is transmitted/captured. It will not reject if transmitted/captured before primary cargo is transmitted/captured.
Close	Must be transmitted/captured after all related house bills are transmitted/captured. It will not reject if transmitted/captured before primary cargo is transmitted/captured.
Releases	There is no order for releases to be transmitted, it can be transmitted/captured before or after cargo and conveyance.
Conveyance arrival	There is no EDI highway arrival.	EDI conveyance arrival must be transmitted once all related cargo and releases have been transmitted/captured.
Cargo arrival	For inland cargo, the arrival should be transmitted last.

3.2 Late accounting penalties

Importers may be assessed late accounting penalties if accounting documents are not received within prescribed time limits. Relief may be granted in relation to delays caused by system outages.

To submit a request for review of a late accounting penalty (appeal), please submit your request via the CARM Client Portal. See Memorandum D22-1-1 - Administrative Monetary Penalty System for more information on submitting an appeal.

Should you have any questions concerning the review of late accounting penalties, please contact: cbsa.external_appeals-appels_externes.asfc@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.

4. Appendixes

4.1 Types of outages

An unscheduled outage means that a problem has created a situation that was not expected and has caused some type of outage or delay. As it was unexpected, research and analysis must be conducted to locate and resolve the problem. There will be no estimated time of resolution until the research and analysis is completed and the problem has been identified.

A scheduled CBSA system outage is a scheduled outage that occurs for maintenance or a systems release of new functionality or problem fixes. A time period for the outage is established and published for the trade community in advance of the outage. This information is provided to allow our clients time to plan around the outage. Scheduled outages are scheduled to take place in the early mornings on weekends which coincides with the lowest volume of transaction processing. This is done to minimize the impact of the outage on clients.

Cybersecurity incident means any unauthorized attempt, whether successful or not, to gain access to, modify, destroy, delete, or render unavailable any computer network or system resource. Cyber incidents should be reported to the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security. Reporting a cyber incident helps the Cyber Centre keep Canada and Canadians safe online. Visit the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security website for more information or to report an incident.

Full CBSA system outage means that all CBSA systems; EDI, eManifest portal, CARM Client Portal (CCP), Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS) portal, Commercial Accounting Document/Application Program Interface services, and CBSA internal systems are not functioning.

Delays in processing: EDI means that the CBSA has a backlog of electronic messages through EDI for processing. Delays in processing is considered an outage anytime the CBSA is running over 60 minutes behind in processing incoming/outgoing messages.

Delays in processing: eManifest portal means that the CBSA has a backlog of electronic messages coming through the portal for processing. A delay in processing is considered an outage anytime the CBSA is running 60 minutes behind in processing incoming/outgoing messages.

EDI system outage means that the CBSA is not able to process any of the electronic messages being received or sent through EDI. However, it does not include the ability to transmit the data to CBSA, where it is received and queued until such time the EDI processing of the data is back online.

EDI inbound system outage means that CBSA is not able to receive any new inbound EDI messages from clients.

EDI outbound system outage means that the CBSA is not able to send messages to clients through EDI.

eManifest portal outage (inbound and/or outbound) means that the eManifest portal is not operational. An inbound portal outage means that the CBSA is not receiving information submitted through the eManifest portal. An outbound portal outage means that the CBSA is not able to post responses in the eManifest portal.

CERS portal outage (inbound and/or outbound) means that the CERS portal is not operational and unavailable for use. An inbound portal outage means that users are not able to submit trade documents to the CBSA through the CERS portal. An outbound portal outage means that the CBSA is not able to retrieve data submitted within the CERS portal.

CARM portal outage means the CARM Client Portal (CCP) is not operational and/or available for use.

4.2 Multiple Import Shipment Release Query form

Multiple Import Shipment Release Query form (PDF, 61 KB)
[Help with PDF files]

Release office: 453
Client name: Compliance Brokerage
Client ID: 12345
Client contact: John Doe 519-253-4584

Multiple Import Shipment Release Query form
Transaction number or cargo control number	Barcoded cargo control number OR transaction number Must be CBSA machine readable	For CBSA use only R = Released NR = Not released
12345001495785
12345001495786
12345001495787
12345001495788
12345001495789

CBSA stamp and BSO badge number

4.2.1 Directives: Multiple Import Shipment Release Query form

This form was introduced with the deployment of the CBSA Systems Outage Contingency.

The purpose of the form is to reduce the paper burden and streamline the querying of release statuses during outages that impact RNS notices. This form may be used when EDI linkages are down and ACROSS is operational. Note, the CBSA is unable to provide the status of release when ACROSS is not functional.

Usage of the form

Clients

Clients will obtain this form from the CBSA Systems Outage Contingency document published on the CBSA website
The form may be modified by clients as long as the barcoded data remains CBSA machine readable
This form is to be submitted to the CBSA office of release. Email may be used to submit at offices that offer the Electronic Longroom service

CBSA

Navigate to the RSTAT screen in ACROSS
Scan the barcoded CCN or transaction number provided by the client
If released write "R”, if not-released write "NR”. If the number is not on file write "N/A”.
If the barcode is not machine-readable return the form to client for correction
The original CBSA stamped copy will be returned to the client

When completed and stamped by the CBSA this form provides proof of release for only those transactions indicated as released per the above.

This form may be accepted by carriers and warehouse operators as proof of release to allow the movement of shipments during contingency periods. When the outage is resolved, release notices will be transmitted.

Date modified:: 2024-10-18