Instruments of International Trade (IIT) such as empty shipping tanks, pallets, baskets, bins, boxes, cartons, crates, totes and trays, also known as Ottawa File and Container Banks, may be exempt from ACI eManifest submission regulations for highway and rail carriers. As noted in the Electronic Commerce Client Requirements Document (ECCRD), these containers must be registered under Ottawa file and issued container bank numbers in order to be exempt.

In order to qualify the containers for the ACI eManifest transmission exemption, carriers must still transmit conveyance data as well as the following additional steps:

1. Include the IIT indicator in the cargo submission.
2. Verbally report the IIT to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer at the First Port of Arrival.

The determination of whether the equipment qualifies as an IIT and its classification are the responsibility of the importer/customs broker and must be reported and accounted for at the first time of arrival in Canada.

Where a Container Bank has been authorized by CBSA, a company can import containers or a like quantity of similar containers on a duty and tax free basis. To operate a Container Bank, a company must apply in writing to the CBSA for authorization. The letter requesting permission to operate a Container Bank should be sent to the Manager of Regional Programs in the applicable region.

5 Frequently Asked Questions About ACI eManifest