Technical Reporter-ACROSS FAQ

Document Reference

Subject:	ACROSS Electronic Release FAQ
Author:	Bob Beausoleil

Accelerated Commercial Release Operations Support System

What is electronic data interchange?

Electronic data interchange (EDI) let’s you transmit information from one computer to another quickly, easily, and accurately. EDI is a vital tool in today’s marketplace. It is part of the growing trend towards electronic commerce that includes technologies like electronic mail, electronic forms, and bar codes.

The Accelerated Commercial Release Operations Support System (ACROSS) incorporates EDI technology enabling the transmission of customs release and invoice data to any automated Customs office.

What is ACROSS?

ACROSS is the term applied to the process by which shipment release information is provided to Canada Customs through a computer to computer transmission (EDI) rather than being submitted in a hard copy format or paper mode.

The ACROSS Release Process

The following is a step-by-step look at EDI release:

The shipper, exporter, vendor, carrier or importer sends the shipment information to the broker using EDI or facsimile.
The release request is prepared by the broker using this information.
The request is transmitted to Customs via EDI through a “Value-Added Network” (VAN) "via the internet" or through the telephone lines.
Customs verifies that the information meets their EDI syntax requirements.
The ACROSS system processes the EDI release data.
A customs officer reviews the information and enters a decision into the ACROSS system to release the goods or to refer them for examination.
When the goods are released, ACROSS sends the broker an electronic release notification through the Release Notification System.
Confirming accounting data must then be sent to Customs within prescribed time limits.

What is “Machine Release”?

“Machine Release” (also called Machine Release Selection or “MRS” for short) speeds up the processing of regular and frequent release requests from brokers who use the 10-digit Harmonized System (HS) code. It is important to note that in order to utilize MRS, all parties involved (i.e., the shipper, vendor, importer and carrier) must have an established track record of good compliance with Revenue Canada.

Machine release is simply automated clearance by Customs after the shipment data has been run through a series of compliance checks in the Customs Commercial System (CCS). The broker transmits the appraisal quality information (i.e., including the 10-digit HS code) to Customs after having entered it into his system. A release decision is then rendered by the CCS within a matter of minutes.

What about goods that need an import permit?

Revenue Canada and Foreign Affairs and International Trade (FAIT) exchange permit data electronically using the EXCAPS program, thereby eliminating the need for paper import permits. Once the permit is issued by FAIT, they forward the information to Customs electronically for sorting and processing. When the release request is transmitted to Customs, ACROSS matches this information to the FAIT permit.

How does ACROSS work?

Under ACROSS, releases may be submitted in one of two methods, pre-arrival (PARS) or post-arrival and in any one of three following formats:

The two most common cargo and release services, Release on Minimum Documentation (RMD) and Appraisal Quality Release (AQ) are available through ACROSS. The Frequent Importer Release System (FIRST), however, is not currently supported by the system.

• R.M.D. Data

R.M.D. data describes basic shipment information such as who the goods were purchased by, to whom are they going, who are they from, when they shipped, the number of pieces, a general description of the goods imported (often times for enforcement purposes Customs will reject the release and ask for a better description) and a total value. Other basic information is also required.

• Appraisal Quality

In simple terms, “appraisal quality” release data it requires the transmission of the complete Canada Customs Invoice along with other basic data elements such as the transaction number, etc.

• Appraisal Quality with H.S.

The third type of release is appraisal quality with the Harmonized System tariff number attached. This is beneficial, when the importer, exporter and carrier of the goods all have good compliance records and have been approved by Customs for machine release (see above).

Is ACROSS appropriate in every situation?

Unfortunately, not all goods qualify for ACROSS at this time. With the exception of import permits that may be handled under the EXCAPS program (see above), and certain goods under the control of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, goods subject to the control of other government Departments are not allowed release via EDI using the ACROSS program.

Other restrictions limiting the utilization of ACROSS include the fact that not all carriers or bonded warehouses presently have the EDI capability needed to take advantage of the system.

Why is ACROSS important to me?

Canada Customs have clearly stated they will provide priority service to those shipments that are tendered to them in the electronic format.

Utilization of ACROSS helps to ensure the fastest possible release times and most efficient handling of your import transactions.

If you need more information on this topic, contact:

Bob Beausoleil, Manager–Research & Development

Phone: (519) 740-9866 • Fax: (519) 740-9327 • E-mail: beausoleil.bob@ibm.net

The information contained herein is not intended to provide legal or other professional advice.
Readers are asked to contact Russell A. Farrow Limited for advice specific to their needs.

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For additional technical information:
Bob Beausoleil/RAF—Research & Development
or
info1@farrow.com