Advance Information (ACI) of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)

The electronic transmission of information relating to freight is required for all flights coming into Canada, and it is essential to comply with all of these provisions.

It is the responsibility of airlines and air freight forwarders to provide information for all shipments, both on the air waybill (AWB) grouping on the waybill.

Full disclosure of information relating to items required for all incoming flights.

The waybill data are required at the time of acceptance of goods. Freight forwarders and shippers have a choice between three options:

• Electronic transfer of FHL2 message information directly to Customs
• Electronic transfer of FHL2 message information via the Cargo Portal Services (CPS)
• Manual delivery of paper documents to Air Canada Cargo for forwarding to Customs

Freight forwarders and shippers who choose to communicate information directly can do so provided that a memorandum of understanding with Air Canada Cargo exists. Responsibility to provide complete and accurate information so entirely their responsibility.

If at the time of acceptance of goods, there is no air waybill in the system, costs are calculated manually and sent to the freight forwarder or shipper.

In addition to transmitting information from Air Canada Cargo, freight forwarders and shippers must provide the following documents at the time of acceptance of goods:

• Copy of the master air waybill
• In a separate envelope, at least two copies of the detailed consolidation manifest, which must include the following information:
  • Sender final and the final recipient;
  • detailed description of the goods shipped, and
  • the number of packages and weight.
• Regarding unitized shipments, a detailed consolidation manifest, complete and accurate, which must include:
  • slips each grouping, and
  • the number and weight of packages associated per unit discount for transportation.

In accordance with the regulations of the CBSA’s preliminary information on commercial shipments, Air Canada Cargo must ensure that the information on the waybill transmitted electronically is accurate and complete, and they are sent timely. To meet these requirements, Air Canada Cargo can be held to address new aspects of items such as electronic data or material handling.