Electronic Commerce

This section provides existing and potential electronic commerce clients with the necessary information, documents and tools required to effectively transmit commercial electronic data to the CBSA.

EDI

Clients using the CBSA's electronic data interchange (EDI) systems can electronically transmit their import or export data and their accounting documents to the CBSA. These systems help the CBSA to quickly process low-risk goods, which allows the CBSA to focus resources on identifying potential threats to Canada's safety and security.

EDI Systems

• Overview: EDI Applications
  Descriptions and uses of the various applications
• Electronic Commerce Client Requirements Document (ECCRD)
  Manuals that provide technical details for EDI applications

Becoming an EDI Client

• Procedures
  Step-by-step instructions on how to become an EDI client.
• Communication methods
  Available methods of transmitting electronic data to CBSA.
• Software/service providers lists
  Lists of registered software and service suppliers that sell and support the required software for EDI applications.

Documents for existing EDI clients

• Customs Tariff
  Complete list of Harmonized System Codes
• CADEX-Formatted Customs Tariff
  Customs Tariff files for CADEX clients.
• Sub-location codes [ HTML ]   [ XLS, 471 KB ]   [help with document formats]
  List of warehouse codes for the ACROSS System.
• Exceptions Lead Sheet [ PDF, 60 KB ] [ XLS, 36 KB ]
  This sheet is used by importers/brokers when they submit paper release requests on and after April 1, 2008, as directed in Customs Notice 08-009.

Calling the EDI Hotline

• Information required when calling the EDI hotline
  Detailed list of information you need to provide
• Contact list
  
• Scheduled maintenance outages and holiday table
  List of scheduled outages and holidays for the following year.
• Error Codes [ PDF, 221 KB ] [ XLS, 383 KB ]   [help with document formats]
  List of all error codes for ACROSS including electronic release, Advance Commercial Information (marine, air and rail) and Customs Self Assessment program.
• Procedures to follow during system outages/interruptions

More information

If you have questions about commercial EDI transactions, please contact the Electronic Commerce Unit:

Electronic Commerce Unit
Canada Border Services Agency
250 Tremblay Road, 6th Floor, West Tower
Ottawa ON K1A 0L8

Telephone:
1-888-957-7224 (calls within Canada and the United States)
613-946-0762 (overseas callers between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET)
613-946-0763 (overseas callers between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. ET)
Fax: 613-952-9979