The carrier is primarily responsible for assigning the PARS (Pre-Arrival Review System) number to a shipment. This unique number is then utilized by both the carrier and their customs broker to facilitate efficient border clearance into Canada.
Understanding the PARS Number
The PARS number is a crucial identifier for commercial shipments entering Canada by truck. It acts as a tracking number that allows customs officials to process shipment information before the truck arrives at the border. This pre-arrival processing helps to expedite the clearance process, reducing delays and ensuring a smoother flow of goods.
Roles in Managing the PARS Number
The PARS number plays a central role in the customs clearance process, involving distinct responsibilities for both the carrier and the customs broker.
The Carrier's Role
The carrier is the entity that transports the goods and is fundamental to the assignment and initial use of the PARS number.
- Assignment: The carrier assigns a unique PARS number to each shipment. This is the first step in associating the physical goods with their electronic documentation.
- eManifest Creation: Using the assigned PARS number, the carrier prepares a listing for the shipment via an electronic manifest system, such as ACI (Advance Commercial Information) or ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) eManifest. This submission provides Canadian Customs with advance notification of the incoming goods.
- Information Sharing: The carrier sends the PARS number directly to their customs broker, ensuring that the broker has the necessary identifier to access and manage the shipment's customs entry.
The Customs Broker's Role
The customs broker acts as an intermediary, using the PARS number to facilitate the formal customs clearance process.
- Receiving Information: The broker receives the PARS number from the carrier.
- Requesting Release: Using this number, the customs broker requests the release of the shipment from Canadian customs authorities. This typically involves submitting the necessary customs declarations and documentation linked to the PARS number.
How the PARS Number Facilitates Customs Clearance
The integrated use of the PARS number by both carriers and customs brokers streamlines the border crossing process:
- Carrier Assigns PARS: A unique PARS number is assigned to the shipment.
- eManifest Submission: The carrier creates and submits an eManifest (ACI/ACE) using the PARS number, detailing the shipment's contents to customs in advance.
- Information Transfer: The carrier transmits the PARS number to their designated customs broker.
- Broker Submits Entry: The customs broker uses the PARS number to prepare and submit the customs entry for the shipment.
- Pre-Arrival Review: Customs officers review the eManifest and customs entry using the PARS number before the truck arrives.
- Expedited Release: When the truck arrives at the border, customs can quickly verify the information and, if all is in order, grant release, minimizing wait times and potential delays.
This collaborative use of the PARS number ensures that all necessary information is available to customs in a timely manner, allowing for efficient pre-screening and a faster, more predictable border crossing for commercial goods.
