How does PARS make border crossing faster for importers?
The Pre-Arrival Review System (PARS) is a customs process that importers can utilize to get their goods across the border faster. Learning how to use PARS correctly can significantly reduce wait times at the border by securing pre-clearance for your goods.
In most cases, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) grants pre-clearance when businesses and brokers fulfill the requirements for PARS. Instead of waiting to see whether shipments are granted clearance while at the border, you can utilize PARS to streamline importation and reduce the odds of significant shipping delays.
What Is PARS?
PARS is the Pre-Arrival Review System that's designed to enable pre-approval for commercial shipments entering Canada before they reach the border. By submitting paperwork in advance, your shipment undergoes pre-clearance by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), minimizing border wait times and reducing potential delays.
How to use PARS for border crossing
Successfully using PARS will involve the importer, a customs broker, and the CBSA. The following steps will help to streamline the transportation of your shipment across the Canadian border:
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Generate a PARS barcode
Before a shipment departs for Canada, a PARS barcode must be generated for the shipper to use at the border. A barcode provides a unique identifier for the shipment and is a crucial aspect of tracking the process. Each shipment must have its own barcode, and a barcode can't be used again for three years. Typically, the barcode will be attached to a manifest or invoice for shipping.
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Submit documents to your customs broker
As part of the PARS process, all necessary shipping documentation must be sent to the customs broker. The broker reviews the paper to ensure compliance with relevant regulations. The required documentation usually includes a:
- Commercial invoice
- Bill of lading
- Packing list
- PARS barcode
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Customs broker submits declaration to the CBSA
After verifying the documents, the customs broker can submit a customs declaration to the CBSA on behalf of the importer. This includes submitting all the data and details connected with the PARS barcode.
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CBSA review and pre-approval
CBSA processes the documentation submitted and reviews it prior to the shipment arriving at the border. At this point, the CBSA may request more documentation or flag the shipment to conduct further inspection. If the CBSA doesn't request more paperwork or an inspection, and the documentation checks out, the shipment will be pre-approved.
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Present the PARS barcode at the border
When the shipment reaches the Canadian border, the PARS barcode must be presented to the CBSA officer, who will scan the barcode. After scanning the barcode, the office should have rapid access to details for the pre-approved shipment. Since the majority of the clearance process has already been fulfilled, your shipment should be swiftly cleared by the CBSA officer.
Business benefits of using PARS for imports
Faster border clearance
The primary benefit of PARS is faster processing at the border. Since all customs documentation is submitted and approved prior to the shipment’s arrival at the border, the CBSA can quickly decide to clear PARS shipments.
Reduced risk of costly delays
Paperwork discrepancies or missing documents for your shipment can create significant delays at the border. Delays can result in unexpected fees that can add up. With PARS, brokers can resolve issues well in advance of the shipment arriving at the border.
Improved compliance
PARS helps to encourage compliance by offering a fast, seamless way to submit complete customs documentation. This contributes to fewer issues with compliance, and in some cases, importers can establish a positive reputation with customs authorities, which can result in fewer inspections in the future.
Unlock the benefits of PARS for your imports
Businesses that regularly import goods across the Canadian border benefit from the efficiency that PARS provides. Integrating PARS as a routine part of your shipping operations will help to reduce friction and improve shipping efficiency. A key aspect of unlocking the benefits of PARS involves partnering with customs brokers.
Experienced customs brokers stay ahead of your requirements and take proactive steps to ensure your compliance at the border. Cole has supported importers with efficient customs processes for more than a half-century. Connect with Cole to find out more.
