CBSA Introduces AMPS Grace Period Following System Outages

The CBSA’s temporary grace period offers short-term relief for importers affected by system outages, but regular enforcement will resume after October 14.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has introduced an AMPS grace period from September 27 to October 14, 2025. 

During this period, CBSA will suspend any monetary penalties related to the electronic transmission of data disrupted by the September 28 system outages. 

The grace period is limited in scope, and the overall AMPS framework remains in force as a key compliance mechanism for Canada’s trade operations.

CBSA experiences system outages

This measure follows a series of IT system outages that disrupted trade reporting. 

CBSA confirmed that its border processing systems experienced outages beginning on September 28 during scheduled maintenance.  

Systems impacted included ACROSS, Single Window, eManifest, and Commercial Exports.

While the core systems were restored within 48 hours, effects continued as the agency worked through backlogs in commercial and traveller traffic.

CBSA emphasized that the outages were not the result of a cyberattack and stated it would provide a full report on the incident within 30 days.

The agency also noted that contingency procedures were activated, allowing officers to process shipments manually where electronic submissions were unavailable.

About AMPS

The Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) allows the CBSA to issue monetary penalties for non-compliance with trade and border legislation.

Penalties apply to a wide range of violations, including:

• Failure to pay duties
• Failure to provide required information to the CBSA
• Unauthorized removal of goods from a warehouse
• Direct delivery of goods prior to release from CBSA control
• Failure to report goods to the CBSA
• Failure to self-correct an incorrect declaration 

Next steps for Canadian importers

Canadian importers are advised to take note of the limited scope of this temporary suspension, as it only covers issues tied to electronic data submissions affected by the outages.

Recommended next steps include:

• Keeping records of shipments, attempted submissions, and any communications with CBSA during the outage window
• Ensuring that all electronic data transmissions are submitted correctly once the AMPS grace period ends
• Consulting your customs broker to review compliance procedures and verify that submissions are current and accurate once regular enforcement resumes

How Cole International can help

At Cole International, we provide customs and compliance consulting and customs brokerage services to help you navigate changing regulations and streamline the importing of goods into Canada.

For guidance on how the AMPS grace period may impact your operations and to ensure you are ready once normal compliance resumes, please reach out to one of our trade professionals.