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Automated Commercial Environment (ACE)

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection's evolving ACE system revolutionizes the processes for goods imported into the U.S. by providing a centralized, cross-governmental automated information system to enable the efficient collection, processing, and analysis of commercial import and export data. ACE simplifies dealings between CBP and the trade community by automating time-consuming and labour-intensive transactions and moving goods through the ports and on to markets faster and at lower cost.

Automated Line Release (ALR)

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection ALR program provides an efficient process to release and track highly repetitive, low-risk shipments imported into the U.S. from Canada. Importers and their customs brokers use their own business systems to manage importation clearances, duties and taxes.

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)

CBSA facilitates the movement of goods and people across Canada's borders while preventing dangerous and illegal goods and people from entering Canada. CBSA administers and enforces Canadian laws that govern trade including food and agricultural products and travel, plus international agreements and conventions. CN's Service Reliability Strategy (SRS) system and CBSA's Accelerated Commercial Release Operations Support System (ACROSS) electronically communicate around the clock to process customs clearances and track shipments.

CN Bonds and Manifests

In simple terms, a bond (U.S.) or manifest (Canada), is the control of goods being transported or stored while under the responsibility of bonded entities such as CN, other carriers or bonded facilities until the appropriate customs agency (CBP or CBSA) authorizes delivery or further movement. CN bonds or manifests are managed electronically through our links with CBP and CBSA.

Customs Releases

An electronic release notification from either CBP or CBSA as applicable to CN is required to legally constitute the release of CN liability. The key elements that lead up to a customs release are the advanced electronic manifest from CN that is driven from the shipper's EDI bill of lading data and the customs broker entry filing with customs. From a CN perspective, a customs release is the authorization to allow a railcar or container that has been imported into the US or Canada, and which is still in the control of CN, to be delivered to our customer.

Customs Self Assessment (CSA)

Canada Border Services Agency CSA program gives approved importers working with approved carriers (CN is a CSA-approved carrier) the benefits of streamlined clearance for goods imported from the U.S.. This clearance process ends the need for transactional transmissions of data related to eligible goods. CSA also provides importers the benefits of a streamlined accounting and payment process. Importers and their customs brokers use their own business systems to fully self assess and meet their customs obligations.

Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)

CN was the first railroad in North America to partner with U.S. Customs in this initiative to build cooperative government-business relationships that strengthen overall supply chain and border security. This program implements a sound plan to enhance procedures in conveyance and physical plant security, access controls, manifest accuracy, personnel security, education and training awareness.

Partners in Protection (PIP)

Canada Border Services Agency PIP program – together with the trade industry – combine to enhance border security, combat organized crime and terrorism, increase awareness of customs compliance issues, and help detect and prevent contraband smuggling. PIP participants benefit from the speedy flow of low-risk, legitimate goods across Canada's border. CN became a PIP-accredited participant in January 2003.

Pre-Arrival Review System (PARS)

Canada Border Services Agency PARS service provides the ability for an importer or their customs broker to submit a release request up to 30 calendar days before the arrival of goods at the U.S./Canada border. Imported goods are customs cleared right at the border, eliminating delays at destination.

U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

CBP, the single unified border agency of the Department of Homeland Security, combines the former Customs and the Border Patrol, Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The CBP mandate to improve security and facilitate the flow of legitimate trade includes expanded advance information on goods arriving in the U.S. and partnering with other governments and the trade network. The CBP's Automated Manifest System (AMS) and CN's Service Reliability Strategy (SRS) system are linked electronically 24/7 to expedite shipment clearances.

Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System (VACIS)

VACIS is a gamma ray imaging system which uses radiographic images to help inspectors carry out non-intrusive inspections of the contents of rail cars.