Carriers who move goods in-bond from the First Port of Arrival (FPOA) into Canada may need to seal the trailer and/or containers as required by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Shipment Sealing Is Required For:

• Carriers who are participating in a CBSA Trusted Trader Program
• Cargo that is controlled or regulated by an Act of Parliament
• Cargo moving in-transit
• Conveyance and containers moving from FPOA to a CBSA examination location as directed by CBSA.

Some exemptions apply to these sealing requirements when customs is overseeing the movement.

These Exemptions Include:

• Inland Inspection Customs Self Assessment (CSA) carriers may move in-bond goods without a seal except in cases when CBSA requires an inland inspection. In this case CBSA would affix a seal on the load at the FPOA for transport to the examination warehouse. The load must then be delivered to the release point and/or examination warehouse designated by CBSA with the seals intact. If company seals are already affixed CBSA will accept those seals and notate them.
• High Risk Convoy CBSA may permit a load to move in-bond to a destination under the convoy of a Border Services Officer (BSO), where the nature or type of vehicle is considered high risk. In this case the carrier will be expensed for the time and labour of the BSO to convoy and examine the shipment.

How To Avoid ACI eManifest Penalties Triggered By Voluntary Entries

Tips:

1. Ensure the seal remains intact This company seal must remain intact unless CBSA performs an examination at the FPOA. If the seal did not remain sealed and/or the seal was broken without CBSA approval, penalties may incurred.
2. eManifest requirements When a company places a seal on a trailer, vehicle or container that contains in-bond goods, the seal number must be noted correctly on the pre-arrival conveyance transmission.

Please note, CBSA has the right to seal any conveyance, container or compartment at any time.