As part of the Advanced Commercial Information (ACI) program, from 15^th July 2013 the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) requires that all commercial carriers transporting goods into Canada have a valid carrier code in order to transmit pre-arrival information electronically.

The carrier code is a four character identifier, given by the CBSA, to identify each individual carrier and Members are advised to ensure they have the necessary arrangements in place in order to obtain the new carrier codes.

Between the 15thJuly 2013 and 30th September 2013, the CBSA will recognize a transition period which will allow marine agents to use their existing codes in exceptional circumstances if a carrier does not have time to obtain a new code prior to entering Canada

The CBSA defines a carrier as "

the entity operating a conveyance transporting specified goods to Canada", and further defines "operating a conveyance" as follows:

To have legal custody and control of the conveyance as: a) The owner; b) A lessee under a lease or agreement of hire ;c) A charterer under an agreement of hire; d) A purchaser under a conditional sale or hire purchase agreement that reserves to the vendor the title to the conveyance until the purchase price is paid or certain conditions are performed; ore)  A mortgagor

Carriers may also hire a service provider or agent to transmit the data, but the Carrier Code of the carrier, rather than of the agent or service provider, must still be used. In addition, a Third Party Consent Form must also be completed and filed with the CBSA.

The Carrier Application Form, as well as other information, can be found

here,

here 

and here.

A copy of the guidance document issued by the CBSA can also be found.

Should Members require additional assistance with completing the actual form, Members can contact CBSA direct at email address:

carrier-cargo@cbsa.gc.caSource of Information:

Sean Rozum - Shipowners Assurance Management Ltd

UK P&I Club Correspondent - Canada

sean.rozum@shipassurance.ca