Commercial carrier and freight forwarder identification and eligibility
Frequently asked questions

How do I know if I need a carrier code?

To find out whether you are eligible to apply for a carrier code, please consult the following link: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/carrier-transporteur/menu-eng.html

What is the difference between a non-bonded and a bonded carrier code?

A non-bonded carrier must release all shipments at the first point of arrival in Canada.

A bonded carrier can transport in-bond goods beyond the first point of arrival and must post financial security with the CBSA. This includes:

  • transiting through Canada (that is, using Canada as a corridor, for example US to Canada to US)
  • moving goods inland to a CBSA office or sufferance warehouse
  • applying to the Customs Self Assessment program, the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program
  • participating in the Marine Overland Movement Program

What documents are needed to apply for a non-bonded carrier and/or freight forwarder code?

What documents are needed to apply for a bonded carrier code?

In addition to the documents listed in the previous section, you must submit an original, signed and sealed D120 customs bond. Your complete bonded carrier code application package must be mailed to our headquarters address in Ottawa for processing (refer to Where to submit your request). For more information, consult D1-7-1, Posting Security for Transacting Bonded Operations.

Is there a phone number that I can call for carrier code assistance?

The carrier code department does not have a phone number; however, you may forward any related inquiries to our generic mailbox at: carrier-cargo@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.

If your inquiry isn’t related to the carrier code application process or an issue for an existing CBSA carrier, please contact the Border Information Service.

What is the expected wait time for receiving a carrier code after all documents are submitted?

The CBSA strives to issue carrier codes to eligible applicants within 3 business days of receiving a complete application package. This service standard may vary depending on the volume of applications received.

What do I do if my non-bonded application was rejected?

The CBSA does not retain any documentation. To re-apply, you must resubmit all of your documents in a single email, including any requested additional documents. If you do not resubmit a completed application package, we will reject your application once again.

Who can sign the documents?

Application form: An authorized officer representing the company must sign the form. The authorized officer must have legal signing authority, and must hold one of the following titles:

If the signatory has signing authority but does not hold one of these titles, submit proof of signing authority. In the case of a sole proprietorship, or partnership, only the owner (or owners) may sign. Please note, electronic signatures will not be accepted.

Customs Bond (D120): The principal must sign the bond. This includes one of the following:

If an official other than one of these is signing on behalf of the company, a certified copy of the by-laws authorizing that official to sign will be required, and the signature of a witness will be necessary. There is no requirement for the witness for the principal to be a notary or a commissioner of oaths.

When the security depositor is a single proprietorship or partnership, the CBSA requires the signature(s) of the proprietor or each of the partners on the bond.

The principal is no longer required to seal the bond but may do so if they have one.

A representative authorized to sign for the surety/financial institution must sign, and where possible, should bear the corporate seal (embossed seals only, rubber stamps are not accepted). Otherwise, a representative authorized to sign for the surety/financial institution must sign, and be witnessed (signed and sealed) by a notary public, a lawyer or a commissioner of oaths.

How much security do I need for my bonded carrier code?

All-cargo aircraft (as per Memorandum D3-1-1, Appendix F):

Aircraft equipped for "all-cargo" operations will, for the purpose of calculating security requirements as specified in this memorandum, be categorized according to the aircraft's maximum certified take-off weight (MCTOW). An aircraft with an MCTOW of 75,000 lbs. or less will be considered as being a "small or medium aircraft" and will be subject to a CAD $10,000 per aircraft minimum (maximum CAD $80,000 per fleet); whereas, an aircraft with an MCTOW of more than 75,000 lbs. will be considered as a "large aircraft" and will be subject to a CAD $20,000 per aircraft minimum (maximum CAD $80,000 per fleet).

As defined in the Air Transportation Regulations, "all-cargo aircraft" means an aircraft that is equipped for the carriage of goods only.

Security required ranges from a minimum of CAD $10,000 per aircraft for small and medium aircraft, and a minimum of CAD $20,000 per aircraft for large aircraft, with a maximum of CAD $80,000 per fleet.

Note: A "fleet" consists of all aircraft owned, operated, or registered to the company, organization, or division indicated on the bond, and is not determined by the number of units intended to be used in the provision of the international service being offered.

For information regarding aircraft classes/groupings, licences and CTA charter flight notification, contact the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) at the address or telephone numbers listed below. For CTA licensing information, see the CTA website.

I currently have a carrier code but I wish to change the bonded status, how do I go about doing that?

Complete form BSF722: Changing Bonded Status for Existing CBSA Carriers.

Post financial security with the CBSA (that is, the original, signed and sealed Customs Bond (D120)] and include it with your changing bonded status form.

Include proof of company ownership documents (that is, articles and/or certificate of incorporation) if the CBSA does not have a viable and/or recent copy on file.

If you are requesting to change your bonded status to ‘bonded’, please submit your complete bonded status change application package to our headquarters address in Ottawa for processing (see Where to submit your request).

I no longer need my carrier code to be bonded. How do I go about changing my code to non-bonded status?

Submit a notice of cancellation as well as a complete BSF722 application form when changing bonded status from bonded to non-bonded.

Include proof of company ownership documents (articles and/or certificate of incorporation) if the CBSA does not have a viable and/or recent copy on file.

Do I need a 15-character CRA business number in order to apply for a carrier code?

This is only a requirement for Canadian companies. You may leave this section of the application form blank if you are a foreign entity (including the United States).

Note to Canadian bonded carrier code applicants: If you are a submitting a Customs Bond (D120), your 15-character CRA business number must be indicated in section 7 of the bond (under Business number).

What is a Shared Secret code and do I need one?

A Shared Secret code is a one-time access code used to create a business account in the eManifest Portal. The eManifest Portal allows small- and medium-sized enterprises to submit advance commercial information (ACI). While ACI is mandatory for all carrier modes and freight forwarders, the eManifest Portal is an ACI filing option that is only available to highway carriers and freight forwarders.

Date modified: