ACI eManifest: Everything Importers and Carriers Need to Know

October 18, 2025
Lightspeed

Importing goods into Canada is more than simply moving cargo across the border. Every shipment must follow strict regulations for safety, and security. One of the most important requirements for commercial imports is the ACI eManifest.

If you are a carrier, importer, or customs broker, understanding how this system works is essential to staying compliant, avoiding costly delays, and ensuring goods move smoothly through Canadian customs.

What Is ACI eManifest?

The ACI eManifest (Advance Commercial Information eManifest) is a system managed by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). It requires carriers and importers to send shipment information electronically before the goods arrive at the border.

This allows CBSA to review shipments in advance, assess potential risks, and make clearance decisions more efficiently.

Think of eManifest as a digital “heads-up” for customs, giving them all the details they need before your truck, rail car, vessel, or plane reaches Canada.

Why Is ACI eManifest Important?

Submitting an accurate and timely eManifest isn’t just a suggestion—it’s the law. The importance of compliance comes down to four key reasons:

National security: Helps CBSA screen for potential threats or illegal goods.
Operational efficiency: Allows shipments to pass through customs with fewer delays.
Cost savings: Avoids fines and prevents shipments from being held up.
Legal compliance: Non-submission can lead to penalties or refusal of entry.

Who Needs to Submit an eManifest?

Several stakeholders in the supply chain are responsible for ACI eManifest submissions. These include:

Highway carriers (truck drivers/companies) – Must submit cargo and conveyance data before reaching the Canadian border.
Rail carriers – Required to file manifests well before trains arrive.
Air and marine carriers – Submit shipment details hours or even days in advance.
Importers and consignees – Responsible for accurate shipment information, often through customs brokers.
Customs brokers and freight forwarders – Frequently file on behalf of carriers or importers.

What Information Is Required in an eManifest?

To comply with CBSA requirements, an eManifest must include detailed data about the cargo, the transport, and the people involved. Some of the most common fields include:

Port of arrival and estimated arrival time
Detailed description of goods, that includes weight and quantity
Shipper’s full name and address
Consignee’s full name and address
Vehicle, trailer, or container identification numbers
Driver details (passport, FAST card, or other ID) for truck shipments
Permits, licences, or certificates if transporting restricted goods

Even a small error can result in penalties and shipment delay.

When to Submit eManifest: Timelines by Mode of Transport

The deadline for filing depends on the mode of transport. CBSA requires data before goods arrive at the border:

Highway (trucks) – At least 1 hour before arrival.
Rail shipments – Minimum 2 hours before arrival at the border.
Air cargo – Typically 4 hours before arrival; for short flights, at the time of departure.
Marine shipments – Between 24 and 96 hours before arrival, depending on voyage length.

These timelines ensure CBSA has enough time to review and process data. Missing them often leads to shipment delays or monetary fines.

How to Register for ACI eManifest

Businesses that import goods into Canada must be set up to submit eManifests. The registration process involves:

Applying for a CBSA carrier code (for transportation companies).
Registering with the CBSA eManifest portal or using certified third-party software.
Providing business details such as legal name, address, and type of operation (carrier, broker, importer).
Designating an authorized agent if someone else is submitting on your behalf.

Many businesses rely on customs brokers or digital platforms to streamline the process and reduce the chance of mistakes.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failing to submit an accurate and timely eManifest can be costly. CBSA enforces the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS), which issues fines for violations such as:

Late submission of data
Failure to submit a manifest at all
Incorrect or incomplete information
Not correcting errors when notified

Penalties can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars per violation. Repeated offenses can also lead to stricter inspections and delays on future shipments.

Best Practices for ACI eManifest Compliance

Complying with eManifest requirements doesn’t have to be stressful. By adopting a few best practices, carriers and importers can minimize risks and keep shipments moving smoothly.

Submit early – Don’t wait until the last minute; send data well before deadlines.
Double-check accuracy – Verify shipment details, addresses, and identification numbers.
Use digital tools – Manifest management software helps reduce errors and ensures timely submissions.
Partner with a customs broker – Experienced brokers can handle submissions on your behalf.
Train staff regularly – Drivers, dispatchers, and warehouse staff should all understand documentation requirements.
Stay updated on regulations – CBSA rules may change, so keep track of new updates.

ACI vs. ACE eManifest

Companies operating on both sides of the Canada–U.S. border often need ACI eManifest (Canada) and ACE eManifest (United States).

ACI eManifest – Required by CBSA for shipments entering Canada.
ACE eManifest – Required by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for shipments entering the U.S.
Similar goals – Both systems are designed to collect advance data, improve security, and streamline customs processing.
Key differences – The data elements, filing timelines, and registration systems are specific to each country.

Understanding both systems is important for cross-border carriers who move goods in and out of North America.

Avaal eManifest Solution – Simplify Your Compliance

For businesses looking to streamline eManifest submissions, Avaal’s eManifest solution offers an easy-to-use platform to manage filings, reduce errors, and meet both ACI & AEC deadlines.

Key benefits include:

Automated submissions – No more manual data entry or missed deadlines.
Error reduction – System validations ensure all required fields are correct.
Real-time tracking – Monitor submissions and receive instant confirmation from CBSA.
Customizable reports – Generate shipment and compliance reports for audits or internal use.

Whether you are a carrier, importer, or broker, Avaal can help you stay compliant, save time, and reduce the risk of penalties.