What’s the Code?

The Canada Customs and Revenue Agency is urging highway carriers still using 2ITN as their carrier code to obtain a unique carrier code ASAP. Why? CCRA will no longer accept the 2ITN carrier code starting Jan. 8, 2001. Consequences may include delays when crossing the Canadian border and fines. And while the CCRA officials are pleased with the number of carriers that have applied for the unique code, there are still plenty that need to turn in their paperwork.

How to apply for a carrier code: You need to complete Form E369, Application to Transact Non-Bonded Carrier Operations at Point of Arrival in Canada, which is available from any CCRA office or by calling 613/954-7151 (613/952-1347 for service in French). Most customs brokers will also have the forms.

If you use the Prearrival Review System (PARS), you must use the first four digits of your company’s bar-coded PARS stickers as your unique carrier number. These stickers must be applied to the invoice or bill of lading before it is faxed to the Canadian customs broker. 2ITN PARS bar code stickers are no longer being provided by the CCRA, and all existing supplies should be destroyed as they will be rejected by customs.

If you use the RMD process, your four-digit carrier code must be included in the cargo control number on the manifest that is presented to CCRA. A8A-1s (manifests with a pre-printed 2ITN cargo control number) will no longer be available from CCRA.

You can print your own manifests with a bar-coded carrier code control number, or print stickers with the bar coded carrier code and cargo control number and apply the stickers to manifests supplied by customs. Manifests may be ordered from the CCRA, or through the Internet at www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/forms. Specs for printing bar code stickers and bar coded cargo control documents can be found at www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/carrier (English) or www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/transportateur (French), or by faxing a request to 613/957-9717.