Understanding the Cargo Control Number (CCN)

Shipments entering Canada are identified and reported before their arrival using a reference known as the cargo control number (CCN).

This number allows the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to track cargo as it moves through the supply chain.

It also links the physical movement of freight to customs clearance and release.

If the CCN is missing, inaccurate, or mismatched, the shipment may not be recognized and can be delayed at the border.

In this article, we explain what a cargo control number is, its connection to the release process, and common mistakes that can lead to a mismatch. 

What is a cargo control number (CCN)?

A cargo control number (CCN) is a unique reference assigned to a shipment so it can be recognized and tracked as it moves toward and into Canada.

It consists of two parts:

1. A 4-character code that identifies who is transporting the goods, issued by the CBSA
2. A sequence of numbers or letters unique to that specific shipment, assigned by the carrier

Once issued, this number becomes the primary reference the CBSA uses to identify the shipment in its system.

For highway shipments released under PARS, the cargo control number is used as the PARS number.

How the CCN is used to release your shipment

The cargo control number serves as the link between cargo reporting and the release process.

When a release request is submitted, it must reference the correct CCN so the shipment can be matched to the cargo already reported to the CBSA.

This allows the CBSA to confirm that the goods presented for release are the same goods reported in advance and to issue a release decision.

The CCN is used for most release options, including:

• Pre-Arrival Review System (PARS)
• Integrated Import Declaration (IID)
• Release on minimum documentation (RMD)

When the CCN does not match between the cargo report and the release request, release notifications may not be issued, and the shipment may not be released.

Mistakes that can lead to a CCN mismatch

Common mistakes that can lead to CCN mismatches are:

The cargo control number was issued late

When the cargo control number is created or communicated after freight documents have already been shared, there can be outdated references. This increases the risk that the wrong CCN is used during release.

Discrepancies in freight and release documents

A CCN may appear correctly on the carrier’s documents but be entered incorrectly or inconsistently on the release request. Because the CBSA relies on an exact match, even minor differences may prevent the shipment from being processed for release.

Shipment changes were not reflected in cargo reporting

Routing changes, split shipments, or transport mode changes made after cargo has been reported may not be updated in the original cargo report. This can create CCN discrepancies and result in delayed release.

How we can help

At Cole International, we offer freight forwarding services to help Canadian businesses prevent avoidable delays caused by cargo control number mismatches and reporting issues.

Our team can work with you to:

• Confirm that CCNs are issued on time and referenced consistently across all freight and release documents
• Identify and resolve issues that could delay cargo reporting or release
• Ensure shipments are aligned with CBSA requirements before they reach the border

We don’t believe in guesswork. We get it right the first time.

Reach out to one of our trade professionals to ensure your cargo control number and shipment details are aligned before your goods reach Canada.