Company and firm accounts

There are 3 types of accounts in the ACE web application:

• User accounts (also called contact accounts)
• Company accounts
• Firm accounts

Every user account must be connected to either a company or firm with a valid business number (BN15).

Multiple users can be linked to one company or firm account, but each user must register individually with the correct BN15. There is no way to add users in a bulk fashion. For security purposes, each individual must complete this process themselves and obtain their own user reference number (URN).

If you do not have a user account, go to Set up a user account.

Company account linked to individual users

When registering, you do not have to create a separate account for the company. This is done automatically when you enter the BN15 during the registration process.

By entering the BN15, the information will be prepopulated directly from the CBSA's Master Data Management database.

Once this connection is made in the system, no further action is required. If you are no longer associated with the company you can Make changes to your user account.

Firm account linked to individual users

The firm account is for those representing parties in SIMA proceedings. Firms are not participants in SIMA proceedings but instead act as a proxy in their clients' interactions with the CBSA. To be identified as the representative for a participant in a SIMA proceeding, you must provide the CBSA with a signed Letter of authorization.

Firms may include trade law firms, trade consultants or other eligible representatives under SIMA.

To register, you do not have to create a separate account for your firm. This is done automatically when you enter the BN15 and you select the checkbox indicating the Firm Account will be representing parties in SIMA proceedings and making submissions on behalf of clients.

If a firm has members with authorization to access confidential (protected) materials, those accounts must include a business account manager. This individual will assume primary management of the business account to follow CBSA controls and requirements for access to sensitive materials.

Assigning a business account manager to a firm account

Trade law firms, trade consultancies and other third party companies eligible to represent parties in SIMA proceedings can assign a business account manager in the ACE web application.

If your firm has members with authorization to access confidential (protected) materials, then you must have one or more business account manager(s).

This individual will act on behalf of the firm account. Each qualifying firm must have at least 1 designated business account manager who will assume primary management of the business account. We recommend having more than 1 designated business account manager.

The assigned business account manager must be verified by the CBSA. This individual is responsible for the following:

• Overall management of the firm account
• Linking new users to the firm account
• Notifying the CBSA when a user is no longer part of the firm account
• Notifying the CBSA of changes to users' information who form part of the firm account
• Submitting requests for disclosure authorization for new users linked to the firm account (where eligibility is met; refer to counsel as defined by SIMA)

You do not need a business account manager for a company account.

Steps to assign the business account manager

Step 1: You must create your user account within the ACE web application and use the appropriate BN15 to search and locate the firm business account information. The information is retrieved from the CBSA's database. The ACE web application has a built-in search feature that will allow you to use the BN15 to get the information from the CBSA's database as part of the user account registration steps.

Step 2: You must email the CBSA's SIMA Registry and Disclosure Unit to complete the verification steps. An assigned contact at the CBSA will request to validate your identity and confirm your associated firm account. Once complete, you will be assigned as the business account manager.

Note The verification process is done internally by the CBSA. You cannot designate yourself as the business account manager as part of creating or editing your user account.

Step 3: You are responsible for identifying the other members of the firm account, if applicable. All members (users) must have created their own user account, including identifying the firm by its BN15. As the business account manager, you are the main point of contact for the firm business account. You are responsible for updating the CBSA of changes to eligible members at the firm as well as information for those members.

Contact us

To verify the business account manager or if you have any other questions, email the SIMA Registry and Disclosure Unit at simaregistry-depotlmsi@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.