CBSA warns carriers against improper PARS procedures

OTTAWA — Canada Border Services Agency is reminding carriers and brokers to notify drivers and dispatch that the PARS barcode must be affixed to the Customs Invoice and/or Bill of Lading.

The PARS barcode is not to be placed on a coversheet, says CBSA. The truck may be refused entry to Canada the proper procedures are not followed.

The agency says a recent trend has developed in which PARS are being presented upon arrival at the border on lead sheets with no shipment information other than the PARS bar code.

Having the code on the invoice or bill of lading allows border officers to review the information and verify it is the same shipment for which a release recommendation was made.

Lead sheets, says CBSA, are used only when submitting PARS release requests in advance of the arrival of the goods, as well as for multiple shipments carried by approved LTL carriers which benefit from Post Audit or CSA privileges.