OTTAWA, Ont. – National Revenue Minister Elinor Caplan today proposed new time frames for advance cargo reporting for goods coming into Canada.

Very similar time frames are being proposed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (US CBP).

“This announcement demonstrates the CCRA’s and the US CBP’s commitment to the business community for the effective movement of goods without compromising our role of maintaining the safety and security of our borders,” said Minister Caplan. “It will further enable both border agencies to use automated risk assessment systems to scrutinize shipments that require a closer look.”

Under the CCRA proposals, carriers and freight forwarders involved in the importation of goods will be required to provide electronic data about the cargo being imported to Customs within the following time frames according to the mode of transport:

* Rail – two hours prior to arrival;
* Air – (for flights greater than 4 hours) – four hours prior to arrival;
* Air – (for flights of less than 4 hours) – “Wheel’s up,” at time of take off;
* Highway – (for non-FAST shipments) – one hour prior to arrival;
* Highway – (for FAST shipments) – no advance reporting requirement – Canada bound;
* Marine – 24 hours prior to lading (effective April 2004).

“These timeframes are the result of extensive consultations with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and all stakeholders,” added Minister Caplan. “The CCRA will continue to consult with industry and work with all parties involved to ensure a smooth implementation of the new reporting timeframes.”

Today’s proposals are a follow up to the CCRA’s April 2003 announcement to implement a 24-hour advance cargo notification for all marine cargo importations.

New regulations and an implementation schedule governing mandatory Advance Cargo Reporting will be introduced later this year.