Electronic Data Interchange / Portal Clients
The Technical Commercial Client Unit does not anticipate any reduction to its hours of service or service level standards as a result of COVID-19. However, in order to minimize any delays in processing requests, instead of faxing or mailing your EDI applications, please scan your requests and send the PDF via email at tccu-ustcc@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca. For those already sending requests via email, please continue to do so.
Overview
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.
Portal
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 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.
Differences between Electronic Data Interchange and Portal
Terminology, data requirements and business rules vary somewhat between EDI and the Portal. The differences between these two submission options are largely due to the fact that EDI and the Portal are based on different technologies and interfaces and face different technical constraints when interfacing with the CBSA system.
With respect to terminology, for example, EDI documentation often refers to transmission of trade data while Portal documentation typically refers to submission of Trade Documents. EDI refers to Statuses and Notices while Portal refers to Statuses.
Become a client
Information for new clients
- 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.
EDI application forms
Client resources
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
The Accounts Receivable Ledger (ARL) is the official system of record for commercial accounting and payment at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). - Customs Tariff
Complete list of Harmonized System Codes - CADEX-Formatted Customs Tariff
Customs Tariff files for CADEX clients. - Sub-location codes
List of warehouse codes for the ACROSS System
Troubleshooting
- Frequently-Asked Questions
A compilation of the most asked EDI questions, including suggestions of ways to resolve the problems. - Error Codes
List of all EDI error codes including electronic release (ACROSS), Release Notification System (RNS), Advance Commercial Information (ACI) (marine, air and rail), eManifest (highway and House Bills) and Customs Self-Assessment (CSA) program - Other Government Department (OGD): Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System
List of Harmonized System codes that are regulated by participating OGDs. - Single Window Initiative — Integrated Import Declaration
Regulated Commodities — Data Element Matching Criteria - Help with PDF files
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
Outages
General procedures to follow during system outages/interruptions
Consult the System Outage Contingency Plan for information on the release procedures to follow when a system outage occurs.
These procedures apply in all modes.
Sign up for EDI/Portal Bulletins for notice of system outages.
Scheduled Maintenance Outages for 2020
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) 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 25-26
- February 22-23
- March 21-22
- April 25-26
- May 23-24
- June 20-21
- July 25-26
- August 22-23
- September 19-20
- October 24-25
- November 1
- November 21-22
- December 12-13
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.
Holiday Table for 2020
The following are the holidays recognized by the electronic commerce systems for the year 2020. The holidays mentioned below apply to all provinces except where indicated otherwise:
- Wednesday, January 1, 2020
- Monday, February 17 (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI and Manitoba)
- Friday, April 10
- Monday, April 13
- Monday, May 18
- Wednesday, June 24 (Quebec only)
- Wednesday, July 1
- Thursday, July 9 (Nunavut Civic Holiday)
- Monday, August 3 (All provinces/territories except Quebec and Yukon)
- Monday, August 17 (Yukon only)
- Monday, September 7
- Monday, October 12
- Wednesday, November 11
- Friday, December 25
- Monday, December 28
- Friday, January 1, 2021
Contacts
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.
Technical Commercial Client Unit
- Business hours
- Monday to Friday (except holidays)
- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ET)
- EDI/Portal services
- Refer to our Services document to find out more about support provided during and after business hours.
- Telephone:
- Canada and the United States: 1-888-957-7224
- Option 1 for EDI transactions
- Option 2 for Technical Portal Assistance
- Overseas: 613-946-0762
- Canada and the United States: 1-888-957-7224
- Email: tccu-ustcc@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca (for non-urgent correspondence only)
- Fax: 343-291-5482
- Mailing address:
- Canada Border Services Agency
355 North River Road, 6th Floor, Tower B
Ottawa ON K1A 0L8
- Canada Border Services Agency
Stay informed
Business hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ET). Refer to our Services document to find out more about support provided during and after business hours.
EDI/Portal Hotline
For up-to-date information about the status of EDI/Portal systems, call the EDI/Portal Hotline.
- Canada and the United States: 1-888-957-7224
- Overseas: 613-946-0762
A recorded message will play immediately after a language selection is made.
If this does not address your specific situation, stay on the line to speak to a technical support officer.
- Option 1 for EDI transactions
- Option 2 for Technical Portal Assistance
EDI/Portal bulletins
Subscribe
Sign up for email bulletins related to system outages, as well as holidays, exchange rates, tariff updates, interest rates, etc.
Complete the form below and select "Subscribe".
Unsubscribe
No longer want to receive our updates?
Complete the form below and select "Unsubscribe".
Electronic Commercial Client Requirements Document (ECCRD) updates
Sign up to receive email alerts when there are new or revised chapters of the Electronic Commercial Client Requirements Document (ECCRD).
Subscribe to the ECCRD Email Alert Service.
eManifest notices
New and enhanced eManifest notices are now available for EDI clients. These new notices offer benefits, such as:
- notification of the completeness of advance data sent to us by various parties in the trade chain;
- notification of the arrival and status of shipments as they move through the commercial import process; and
- improved communication between businesses and the CBSA which allows clients to share information with other registered trade chain partners.
For more information on the new notices, request a copy of the eManifest presentation entitled Introduction to New and Enhanced eManifest Notices.
For information about registering, testing, EDI software/service providers, and Chapter 11 of the Electronic Commercial Client Requirements Document (ECCRD), email the TCCU.
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