As with almost all government programs and policies, the ACI eManifest Regulations faced many false starts, delays and reschedules prior to being finally implemented. Yet, as of May 6, 2015 – these new regulations are fully in place. Each and every one of these regulations will impact all the highway carriers on the road.

For Highway Carriers – What Does It Mean?

Depending on how a highway carrier has been doing things, they will have to react to the ACI eManifest Regulations in different ways. If a highway carrier has decided to not yet register, they are advised to register as soon as possible. Highway carriers will want to become compliant as soon as they can. You can reach out to Clear It with help in this process.

If the carrier has register, but has not yet become fully compliant (for example, a carrier has not been filing after registering) – carriers are advised to begin filing and working to become fully compliant before the deadline.

Highway carriers that have handled their business by registering and filing data with ACI eManifest can continue doing things how they have been doing them. They will have no issues when the deadlines roll around.

 

How To Avoid Penalties Due To ACI eManifest Requirements

While ACI eManifest Regulations began to be implemented on May 6, 2015 – the program is taking baby steps during the implementation process. Highway carriers who are not fully compliant still have time to avoid penalties. The program will be implemented in three phases.

Phase 1

From May 6, 2015 to July 10, 2015 the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will work hand-in-hand with companies on measures that will help them to comply with the new requirements. There will be no penalties for any carriers during this period.

Phase 2

From July 10, 2015, to January 10, 2016, carriers who are not fully compliant with the ACI eManifest Regulations may face a non-monetary fine. This fine will be issued be the CBSA’s Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS).

Phase 3

Starting on January 10, 2016, any highway carriers who do not comply with the ACI eManifest Regulations will be issued a monetary penalty for their failure to do so.

 

What You Can Do To Avoid Any Penalties

If you are fully compliant as of now, you are ahead of the game. However, we know many highway carriers are not compliant as of yet. If you are a carrier that is not compliant, you have some options.

First, the CBSA is continually offering support to all parties in the industry during the transition to ACI eManifest. They offer numerous resources online and a dedicated client support line.

If you are looking for more individualized help becoming eManifest compliant or you need help filing, Clean It offers a number of services to make the ACI eManifest Regulations easier to navigate for all highway carriers. We understand how intimidating a large-scale, new program can be and how difficult it can be to become fully compliant.