Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has deployed the new Single Window IID trade declaration process earlier this year and started to retire the PARS and RMD release options for regulated goods. All entry filers (importer self-filer, customs brokers or authorized agents) are expected to be affected by the change. Read on to learn more about IID trade declaration services to Canada.

 

What is the IID?

The Integrated Import Declaration (IID) service is part of the CBSA’s Single Window Initiative (SWI). First launched in 2015, the IID service further expands the ability of importers and customs brokers to submit and obtain an electronic release for goods regulated by participating government agencies (PGAs). The IID service was previously an alternative to the Pre-Arrival Review System (PARS) and Release on Minimum Documentation (RMD) release processes.

 

IID submission was initially voluntary and only includes data required for CBSA and other agencies to determine admissibility. PGA licenses, permits, certificates and other documentation (LPCO) can be provided in the IID to be validated before the goods arrive. LPCO data that cannot be fed into IID fields may be uploaded as digital images via the Document Image Functionality (DIF). 

 

The following are current PGA programs available for the IID:

• Import Controls of Agricultural, Steel, and Textiles and Clothing Products (Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada)
• Importation of Consumer Products, Cosmetics, Radiation Emitting Devices and Pest Control Products (Health Canada)
• Importation of Human Drugs, Natural Health Products, and Medical Devices Regulated by the Food and Drugs Act (Health Canada)
• Importation of Controlled Substances and Precursors (Health Canada)
• Importation of Energy-using Products (Natural Resources Canada)
• Kimberley Process – Import of Rough Diamonds (Natural Resources Canada)
• Importation of Human and Terrestrial Animal Pathogens and Biological Toxins (Public Health Agency of Canada)
• Importation of Vehicles except for the Appendix F Process (Transport Canada)

 

The CBSA started to retire the Pre-Arrival Review System (PARS) and Release on Minimum Documentation (RMD) release options on April 1, 2019, for PGA-regulated goods as part of the transition to the new IID system. The CBSA and PGAs have also reduced support service hours for the legacy options as it focuses resources on the new SW IID process. The 4-hour service standard for processing OGD PARS/RMD declarations has been retired as well, and NISC service level announcements will only be sent out for delays related to the SW IID message.

 

 

Why Use the IID?

 

The IID serves as a single release option for pre- and post-arrival processing reduces paperwork for import declarations, speeds up the release of regulated goods, and allows importers/brokers to transmit declarations up to 90 days in advance. The IID can also be used in conjunction with CFIA systems like the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) and the AIRS Verification Service). Enhanced testing is available for CFIA-regulated clients who are certified to transmit IID declarations but need more time to check if their system is working as it should.

Need help getting started with IID? Click here

 

 

IID Trade Declaration Services to Canada: Single Window Initiative (SWI)

 

The Single Window Initiative (SWI) is a single point for information exchange between the Canadian government and the trading community. Specifically, filers can use the SWI for the advance reporting of import information to CBSA. As a single point, filers submit information only once, and the information is shared between the CBSA and other government departments. 

 

The CBSA developed the SWI in response to the trade community’s request to streamline processing and integrate separate government requirements. Other government agencies are highly involved in the import process, not just the CBSA. Previously, importers needed to prepare and submit multiple import declarations, especially for regulated goods. 

 

Participating government agencies in the SWI include the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Global Affairs Canada, Health Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada and Transport Canada.

 

All these agencies have a say in whether imports can enter the country or not. Increased scrutiny and reporting is to be expected for certain imports. For instance, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) checks all inbound food and feed to protect against invasive species, food-borne illnesses, and other risks. 

 

Enforced in March 2017, the Single Window Initiative increased the amount of information that needed to be reported to customs, especially for importers of regulated products. In general, import information submitted via the single window must be received and validated by the CBSA before the carrier arrives at the border or FPOA.

 

The SWI allows filers to submit import documentation electronically and comply with regulations. The SWI has other benefits: eliminate duplicate data requirements and processes, reduce the paper trail, and align with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the World Customs Organization (WCO) data model.

 

Under the SWI, the IID will replace the current clearance process for regulated goods. PGA-regulated shipments without the required paperwork cannot submit an IID, and shipments without an IID may be delayed or refused entry, and the importer may receive a monetary penalty. 

 

 

IID Submission

The IID can be submitted to customs up to 90 days before the goods arrive at the first point in Canada or after arrival. It can be used for both PGA and non-PGA-regulated goods. The filer will receive electronic status notifications and admissibility decisions directly from the CBSA and other PGAs.

 

Importers of regulated goods must ensure that all required permits, licenses and certificates accompany the shipment documentation. Customs brokers usually handle all the paperwork, but self-filers should take particular care when preparing documents. Whether you are an occasional or frequent importer, the same IID process applies. 

 

The CBSA has given the community time to transition to the new system. All CFIA-regulated clients who are certified and have completed systems testing should be using the IID now. Many self-filers work with third-party IT service providers to prepare import declarations. Third-party services include software and direct filing (similar to what a customs broker does) on behalf of the importer. The right third party solution depends on your business goals, but we suggest working with a CBSA-approved partner.

 

Get started with GeTS

 

 

GeTS IID Trade Declaration Services to Canada 

 

Global eTrade Services (GeTS) is a CBSA-approved provider of trade facilitation software, including software that simplifies reporting and customs processing for PGA-regulated imports. Our IID/CADEX trade declaration solution is designed for importers, brokers and authorized agents and based on the software-as-a-service model that can be subscribed on the fly, whether you are an occasional or high-volume importer.

 

GeTS IID/CADEX features an easy-to-use interface that allows fast preparation, submission and processing of trade declarations to the CBSA, 9 participating government agencies (PGAs) ad 38 government programs. It supports release declaration (IID), B3 accounting (CADEX), payments management (ARL), direct updates from CBSA (RNS & Notices) and the Document Imaging Functionality (DIF). 

 

The software guides you every step of the way when completing entry forms and preparing accounting documentation. The built-in compliance logic simplifies reporting to the CBSA and streamlines release decisions. We also provide 24/7 step-by-step expert assistance via chat and email on customs compliance matters and technical issues. 

 

GeTS IID/CADEX is available as a web-based application or integrated with existing in-house systems. IID/CADEX is ideal for customs brokers or importer self-filers as it integrates entry and accounting processes into one application and provides secure direct connectivity to Customs and PGAs.

 

To learn more, visit our IID Trade Declaration Services to Canada page or contact us today.

 

 

 

Related Pages:

IID/CADEX

ACI Highway

Streamline Your FDA Compliance with GeTS

GeTS FDA Prior Notice

FDA Prior Notice

eCommerce Compliance

The Future of e-Commerce: Global e-Commerce Trends in 2019 and Beyond

What Is Section 321(CBP Shipment Type)?

ACE (Automated Commercial Environment)

Benefits that Enterprises Gain from Automated Commercial Environment US

Benefits of Using ACE US

What is SW - Single Window US?

Benefits of Using USA Single Window

ACE Highway

ACE ABI for US CBP

ACE Air

ACE Ocean

ISF “10+2”

Truck Section 321 eManifest Requirements from U.S. CBP

 

 

 

 

 

Contact GeTS today for more information on IID trade declaration services to Canada!

 

CANADA

 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA