How the Pre-Arrival Review System (PARS) speeds up freight release
Delays in highway freight release often occur before your shipment reaches the border.
Arrival does not automatically mean release, and, in Canada, shipments are released only after the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) confirms that all customs and regulatory requirements have been met.
If your documents are incomplete, late, or still under review at the time of arrival, your shipment may be held.
This can lead to extra charges, delayed deliveries, and other supply chain disruptions.
The Pre-Arrival Review System (PARS) was designed to close this gap by allowing your shipment data to be reviewed before goods arrive.
This article explains what PARS is and how it helps improve predictability and speed up freight release.
What is PARS?
The Pre-Arrival Review System (PARS) is a Canadian customs process that allows the CBSA to review your shipment information and documentation before your goods arrive at the border.
PARS relies on a barcode placed on the commercial invoice and shipment paperwork, which the CBSA scans to determine whether your goods can be released immediately or require further review.
This barcode enables the carrier, customs broker, and CBSA to track the shipment and link it to its release data while it remains under customs control.
PARS applies to highway (and rail) shipments entering Canada.
While CBSA has pre-arrival reporting and release processes across all transport modes, the term PARS is most commonly used for highway shipments.
It is important to note that PARS is not used for in-bond or in-transit cargo moving through Canada without being released.
How PARS works
PARS begins before your shipment reaches the Canadian border, typically when the goods are being loaded.
The process starts with the carrier creating a Cargo Control Number (CCN) to identify the shipment and link it to its supporting documents.
The CCN starts with a unique 4-character Carrier Code (assigned by the CBSA), followed by a shipment-specific reference number (created by the carrier).
For PARS shipments, the carrier adds this CCN as a PARS barcode (through a physical label) on the commercial invoice and shipment paperwork at the time of pickup.
The carrier also transmits shipment data electronically via the ACI eManifest system, while the customs broker submits the commercial invoice, permits, and release data to the CBSA via EDI, using the same CCN.
CBSA then perform a pre-arrival review to confirm value for duty, tariff classification (HS code), and compliance with any applicable regulatory requirements.
If approved, a release decision is issued before or upon arrival, and the freight can move immediately.
When the truck arrives at the border, the CBSA officer will scan the barcode, date-stamp the invoice/bill of lading, and allow the shipment to be delivered.
Who is responsible for PARS?
PARS relies on coordination between the carrier, customs broker, and importer.
Carrier
The carrier is responsible for getting a valid Carrier Code from the CBSA and assigning a unique reference number to the shipment.
They must add the PARS label to the paperwork at the time of pickup and electronically transmit the cargo data via ACI eManifest.
Customs broker
The customs broker receives the documentation from the importer, compiles the required data, and then transmits the release request to the CBSA via EDI.
They have to make sure the PARS number on the release documents matches the one created by the carrier.
Importer
The importer is responsible for the accuracy of the information and for making sure that all customs and regulatory obligations are met.
This includes confirming product details, value for duty, and origin, as well as addressing any Other Government Department (OGD) requirements in advance.
How we can help
At Cole International, we provide freight forwarding solutions to help businesses reduce border delays and streamline customs clearance for faster freight release.
Our team can work with you to:
- Plan and review your shipments before they reach the border
- Coordinate with carriers to make sure all documentation is accurate
- Identify risks that could prevent your shipment from being released on arrival
Our goal is to help you ship your goods smarter and faster.
If you need help managing documentation and timelines to support PARS review and speed your freight release, reach out to one of our trade professionals.
