Helpful Information

PARS LABELS - What is a PARS label? A PARS label is used by Canada Customs (CBSA) for importing goods into Canada. The PARS Barcode is used on the Commercial Invoice at the time the shipment is picked up in the United States. A PARS barcode is attached to the Commercial Invoice. The Commercial Invoice with PARS label is sent by email or Fax to the Canadian Customs Broker who enters information, including PARS number, in Canada Customs computer system. Our eManifest Service Centre also uses the PARS number to enter information in the ACI eManifest (Advanced Commercial Information System) with CBSA. When driver arrives at Canadian Border, Canada Customs scans the PARS label on Invoice and driver proceeds. PARS Labels can be used in sets of 1, 2, 3 or more of each sequential number. Unlike the multi-page Cargo Control document (A8A-B 5-part form) the PARS process only requires one label per shipment. Ofter carriers will use duplicate or triplicate PARS labels on other documents for filing or tracking. To identify a PARS shipment to the CBSA, the word "PARS" must appear on the barcoded label. It may be printed as part of the PARS barcode with the Canadian Carrier Code and sequential number, or under the human-readable number below the barcode.

PAPS LABELS - What is a PAPS label? A PAPS label is used by U.S. Customs (CPB) as a shipping control number for Customs Brokers and ACE eManifest number. The PAPS Barcode is used on the Commercial Invoice at the time the shipment is picked up in Canada. The PAPS Barcode is attached to the Commercial Invoice. The Commercial Invoice with PAPS label is sent by email or Fax to the U.S. Customs Broker who enters information, including the PAPS number, in U.S. Customs computer system. Our eManifest Service Centre also uses the PAPS barcode number as a shipping control number (PAPS / ACE SCN) in the ACE eManifest submission to U.S. Customs. IMPORTANT NOTE: U.S. Customs does not want to see the PAPS / ACE SCN barcode on Commercial Invoice at the crossing. Driver should have documentation in his possesion, including Commercial Invoice and ACE Cover page. Only the ACE eManifest Cover page is requested by U.S. Customs. The PAPS / ACE SCN number is printed on the ACE Cover page. PAPS Barcodes can be used in sets of 1, 2, 3 or more of each sequential number.

ACE eManifest (Automated Commercial Environment) is the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) shipment reporting regulation. Highway carriers are required to send crew, trucks, trailer and shipment details over the Internet to U.S. Customs using ACE eManifest at least one hour before reaching the U.S. border. Carriers must submit electronic manifest submissions by ACE eManifest and have them accepted by U.S. Customs (CBP) prior to truck arrival at first U.S. port of entry. When driver arrives at U.S. border he must have an ACE Cover Page indicating that all information has been entered and finalized in the CBP ACE eManifest system. If you need help please try our ACE eManifest Service Centre. We make ACE easy.

U.S. Customs Broker Information - U.S. Customs Brokers are private agencies licensed by the US government to clear goods being imported into the United States. Customs brokers are responsible for preparing entry forms, collecting and submitting duties and other costs to obtain clearances for the goods to enter the U.S.
Important note: Customs brokers will submit entry forms to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) using a Shipment Control Number (SCN). Electronic Manifests (eManifest) will also be submitted to CBP using a SCN. The SCN submitted by the customs broker must match the eManifest. To ensure corresponding entries it is suggested to use PAPS (pre-arrival processing system) barcodes. CBP, customs brokers and eManifest service providers universally recognize PAPS Barcodes.
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ACI (Advance Commercial Information) is the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) shipment reporting regulation. Highway carriers are required to send crew, trucks, trailer and shipment details over the Internet to Canada Customs at least one hour before reaching the Canadian border. If you need help please try our ACI eManifest Service Centre. We make ACI easy.

Canada Customs Broker Information - Canada Customs Brokers are private agencies licensed by the Canadian Government to clear goods being imported into Canada. Customs brokers are responsible for preparing entry forms, collecting and submitting duties and other costs to obtain clearances for the goods to enter Canada.
(Important note: Customs brokers will submit entry forms to Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) using a Cargo Control Number (CCN). Electronic Manifests (eManifest) will also be submitted to CBSA using a CCN. The CCN submitted by the customs broker must match the eManifest. Highway carriers must submit customs documents using PARS (pre arrival processing system) Barcodes. The PARS Barcode number is the CCN. To ensure corresponding entries the same PARS Barcode / CCN should be sent to the customs broker and eManifest.

A8A-B Cargo Control Forms for Canada Customs - A 5-part form used by Canada Customs for In Bond Shipments or RMD (Release on Minimum Documentation). The A8A-B 5 part form must have a barcoded cargo control number - 1 barcode for each page - 5 total. The first four digits of the barcode must be the carrier's unique Canadian Carrier Code - commonly referred to as a Cargo Control Label (different than a PARS Label.

7512B U.S. / Canada Transit Forms - A 4 part Carbonless Form for Carriers transporting goods moving in transit from one point in U.S. to another point in U.S. through Canada by highway (Or from one point in Canada to another point in Canada through the U.S. by highway.) An example would be a commercial load being taken from California to Alaska. The load would be taken through Canada to Alaska using the 7512B Form.

What is a Canadian Carrier code?
Canadian Carrier Code is a unique 4 character code (usually a combination of numbers and letters or numbers only) used by Canada Customs to identify a carrier (sometimes called a PARS Code). A Carrier Code is a requirement for entry into Canada for any companies that operate a commercial vehicle involved in the transport of commercial goods to or from Canada. A Canadian Carrier Code is necessary for ACI eManifest submission (electronic manifest) to be set up, even for empty entry into Canada. There are two main types of Canadian Carrier Codes: Non-bonded and Bonded. Carriers set up with a Non-bonded Carrier Code must have freight coming into Canada released at the border (first port of arrival), whereas Bonded carriers have the privilege of moving unreleased goods in Bond to a bonded warehouse to await release there, or to move goods in transit through Canada, i.e. using Canada as a shortcut. To apply for a bonded carrier code the carrier must post security with CBSA. Carrier codes are issued and maintained by CBSA.

What is a U.S. SCAC code?
The Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC code) is a unique two-to-four-letter code (usually 4 letters for Commercial Transportation - i.e. ABCD) used to identify transportation companies. The United States Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has mandated the use of the SCAC code for their Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), Automated Manifest (AMS) and Pre-Arrival Processing (PAPS) Systems. Many commercial shippers and receivers utilize SCACs in their freight bill audit and payment systems.

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