CERS Program Clarifying Proof-of-report Requirements for Exporters and Carriers

February 14, 2020 – The new Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS) will be implemented to replace the current Canadian Automated Export Declaration (CAED) program is to be decommissioned on June 30, 2020.

CBSA Memorandum D20-1-1 Exporter Reporting outlines and explains the obligations, guidelines, and procedures for reporting goods that are exported from Canada. Memorandum has been recently updated to reflect the new Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS) that will be implemented to replace the Canadian Automated Export Declaration (CAED) program to be decommissioned on June 30, 2020.

The new Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS) introduces a new proof-of-report format and removes a gap that allows the proof-of-report number to be generated before an export declaration has been submitted. Customs Notice CN20-03 clarifies exporter and carrier obligations related to the proof-of-report and offer guidance on how to complete an export declaration in three common exportation scenarios. The proof-of-report number indicates that goods to be exported have been reported to the CBSA.

Carriers or customs service providers who are Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) participants must obtain the proof-of-report number from the exporter before the goods leave Canada. The exporter is not obliged to provide the MOU participant with a copy of the export declaration.

The proof-of-report format for each reporting method can be found in paragraph 41 of Memorandum D20-1-1 and paragraph 11 of Memorandum D3-1-8. In addition to the formats listed in these memoranda, exporters may also provide carriers with the CERS proof-of-report, which uses the following format: Exporter’s Authorization ID (Format: AA####) + Submission Date (Format: YYYYMMDD) + Sequential Number between 1 to 99999999999.

Currently, the proof-of-report number can be generated by the Canadian Automated Export Declaration (CAED) system prior to submitting an export declaration by saving a draft of the report. Although the number is available prior to submitting the export declaration, an exporter is required to submit the export declaration before providing the proof-of-report number to the carrier. CERS will only generate a proof-of-report number after the export declaration has been successfully submitted.

For more information about CERS, please refer to the Canadian Export Reporting System page on the CBSA website or contact the CERS mailbox at: CBSA.CERS_Inquiries-Renseignements_SCDE.ASFC@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

For more information about export reporting, please refer to Memorandum D20-1-1, Export Reporting, Memorandum D3-1-8, Cargo – Export Movements and Exporting Goods from Canada: A Handy Guide.

For information about other CBSA programs and services, please contact the Border Information Service (BIS).