Electronic Data Interchange / Portal Clients

Electronic Data Interchange

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is a standardized way of electronically exchanging information between and within businesses, organizations, government entities and other groups. These standards specify the formats, character sets, and data elements used in the exchange of business documents and forms.

Portals

A portal is a secure data submission option developed by the CBSA that will allow the trade community to electronically submit their information through the Internet. The CBSA offers different portal options to facilitate submission of different types of data:

The eManifest Portal was developed primarily for small- to medium-sized enterprises to facilitate their compliance and ease the transition from paper reporting to pre-arrival electronic data submission. The eManifest Portal is designed for highway carriers to submit pre-arrival cargo and conveyance data and to receive House Bill Manifest Forwards sent by other Trade Chain Partners (TCPs).

The Trusted Trader Portal (TTP) is a secure online tool that allows members of the trade community to complete and submit applications for membership in the Partners in Protection (PIP) program, as well as maintain their membership documentation online. The PIP program only accepts applications and updated Security Profiles through the TTP.

The Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS) portal is a secure data transmission option developed by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) that allows the export community to submit electronic export declarations, bulk data uploads and Summary Reporting Program monthly reports to the CBSA.

The CARM Client Portal (CCP) is available to importers, customs brokers, and trade consultants. The CCP allows clients to view their financial account activities, submit rulings and access new electronic payment options. For more information on the CARM project, refer to Get started with CARM.

Information for new clients

• CARM: The new way to assess and pay duties and taxes on imported commercial goods
  Register and use the online services available to importers and customs brokers.
• Become a CERS Portal client
  Step-by-step instructions on how to become a CERS Portal client.
• Become an Electronic Data Interchange client
  Step-by-step instructions on how to become an EDI client.
• Become an eManifest Portal client
  Step-by-step instructions on how to become an eManifest Portal client
• Communication methods
  Available methods of transmitting electronic data to the CBSA.
• Software/service providers lists
  Lists of registered software and service suppliers that sell and support the required software for EDI applications.

Business rules and coding

• Electronic Commerce Client Requirements Document (ECCRD)
  Manuals that provide technical details for each EDI and Portal application
• Commercial importing reporting requirements
  Requirements for the movement and control of unreleased goods in Canada by carriers, freight forwarders and warehouse operators.
• Commercial payment and accounts
  CBSA Assessment Revenue Management (CARM) is the official system of record for commercial accounting and payment at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
• Canadian Customs Tariff
  Complete list of Harmonized System Codes
• Sub-location codes
  List of warehouse codes for the ACROSS System

Frequently requested documents

• EDI application forms
• BSF673
  House Bill, Cargo and Conveyance Manual Amendment Form – Post Arrival - All Modes
• Customs Notices
  Notices about proposed changes to customs programs and procedures
• D Memoranda
  Legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures the CBSA uses to administer customs programs
• Exceptions Lead Sheet
  As per Memorandum D17-1-4, Release of Commercial Goods, all release requests must be presented electronically (EDI). If it falls under one of the exceptions enumerated in the same D-memo, this sheet must accompany the paper release request.
• Bar Code Testing
  • Bar code specifications
  • Approved printing companies

Scheduled maintenance outages for 2025

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), eManifest Portal and Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS) Portal clients of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) are advised that they can expect scheduled maintenance outages on the following weekends, generally in the early morning:

• January 18-19
• February 8-9
• February 22-23
• March 15-16
• March 29-30
• April 12-13
• April 26-27
• May 10-11
• May 24-25
• June 7-8
• June 21-22
• July 12-13
• July 26-27
• August 16-17
• September 13-14
• September 27-28
• October 18-19
• November 2
• November 8-9
• December 13-14

The dates of these outages are based on information available at time of publication and are subject to change. Updated and more detailed information will be communicated by bulletin in advance of the outage.

In addition, clients can expect additional outages for the migration of system releases, but exact dates/times have not been determined.

Note: the above monthly maintenance scheduled outages should not affect Commercial Accounting Declaration (CAD) EDI. In the event that it does affect CAD, a Commercial Client Bulletin will be sent in advance of the outage.

Before contacting the CBSA

The following resources may be helpful in addressing your questions:

• Checklist
  A checklist of steps a clients should undertake before seeking technical assistance from the CBSA.
• Frequently asked questions
  A compilation of the most asked EDI questions, including suggestions of ways to resolve the problems.
• Contact list
  List of useful contacts to troubleshoot and resolve certain EDI or portal issues.