Presentation of Vessel Cargo Declaration to 
Canadian Customs and Border Agency
Before Cargo is Laden Aboard Vessel at Foreign Port
for Transport to Canada

Overview

Customs Notice 542 -Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) provides requirements for Presentation of Vessel Cargo Declaration to Customs Before Cargo is Laden Aboard Vessel at Foreign Port for Transport to Canada. The rules require ocean carriers to file cargo manifest information no less than 24 hours before a Canadian-bound container is loaded on a vessel at a foreign port. The rule applies to containerized cargo and indicates that bulk cargo as defined in the Customs Notice is exempt from the rule but must be transmitted at least 24 hour prior to arrival. Furthermore, that break bulk cargo may also be exempted from the 24 hour rule on a case by case basis.  Official exemption requests must be submitted in writing to Canadian Customs:

Requests for this authorization should be forwarded to:

Manager
Carrier and Cargo Policy
Operational Policy and Coordination Directorate
8th Floor
Sir Richard Scott Building
191 Laurier Ave
Ottawa ON K1A 0L5

Since CBSA requires all manifest declarations no less than 24 hours prior to vessel loading at each foreign load port, documentation cut-offs at ports of loading must be advanced.  Please note, this rule may not necessarily impact cargo delivery cut-offs.

Start Container Vessels commencing with :

Seto Bridge: Voyage 8E (ETA Vancouver May 1, 2004)

Hanjin Philadelphia: Voyage 0021E (ETA Vancouver May 2, 2004)

It is critical that all customers understand that a carrier is permitted to load cargo to the vessel without possible penalty only after 24 hours following manifest submission to CBSA , unless, of course, a HOLD response is received from CBSA.

Note : Conveyance Electronic (CE Number) will be coordinated by the “K” Line Vancouver office and communicated to VSA partners by email.

Bulk and Break Bulk Vessels

Based on feedback from the marine carriers the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has changed the advance timeframe for reporting conveyances and empty containers from "within 24 hours of departure from the last foreign port of loading" to "at least 96 hours prior to arrival at the first Canadian Port of Call and/or Discharge". For voyages less than 96 hours, the reports would be required at the time of departure. The requirements for reporting conveyances for bulk goods and authorized break-bulk goods remains 24-hours prior to arrival.

The following chart summarizes the advance timeframes for reporting conveyances and empty containers.

Important Issues

Declarations/Manifest - in addition to current fields, new requirements on the B/L instructions include:

• Detailed and precise description of cargo. (General description such as “chemicals” and “foodstuffs” will not be allowed)
• Full owner or owner's representative, shipper and consignee details (name and address).  For consignee or owner address, you must use a Canadian address.
• Consignee “To Order” issues see examples below
• Seal number
• Container number
• Accurate weight of the cargo

The following phrases or items are prohibited for use on declaration/manifest and may result in holds and examinations: FAK, Said to Contain, Shipper Load and Count, Dummy Data

Examples from CBSA website:

Consignee “TO ORDER” issues <per CBSA website>

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) acknowledges that "To Order" in the consignee field is a common business practice. However, the CBSA requires the name and address of the cargo's owner or owner's representative in the consignee field. In addition, when the "To Order" cargo is an importation, the address to where the cargo is being delivered in Canada, must be reported in the Delivery Address fields. To help clarify CBSA requirements the following examples illustrate what information is to be transmitted in what fields.

Example 1: "To Order of Shipper"

The shipper's name and address, as reported in the shipper's name and address fields, would be repeated in the consignee name and address fields. The delivery address would provide the Canadian address, where by contract, the shipment is to be delivered.

Example 2: "To Order of a Bank on behalf of"

The consignee's name and address would be the complete name and address of the bank as the owner or owner's representative. The ultimate consignee's name and address, if known, would be reported in the Notify Party fields. The delivery address would provide the Canadian address, where by contract, the shipment would be delivered.

NOTE: For in-transit and FROB shipments the reporting requirements for the consignee field are the same. The delivery address would be in the U.S. or the country to where the goods are destined.

Manifest Corrections

Any data elements that are changed prior to loading, will restart the 24-hour CBSA review period.

Select the below link for more detailed information on CBSA definitions, acceptable cargo descriptions and compliance issues:

CBSA FAQ's:

English: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/startintro-e.html

French: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/startintro-f.html