E-Manifest is a major initiative being put forth by the Canada Border Services Agency(CBSA) aimed at increasing security for cross border shipments and simplifying the process for the CBSA to identify high risk cargo.

The main tenant of the E-Manifest initiative is that it will require Carriers, Importers and Brokers to all transmit separate electronic data to the CBSA within a definite time frame(dependant on type of conveyance).

This process aims to ensure all border transactions occur over an electronic platform and completely remove the use of paper based entries and releases. Furthermore, these electronic transactions must be processed at the First Point of Entry.

E-Manifest may completely change the way some importers do business with Canada, and understanding its nuances is integral to avoiding serious trade complications or violations that could result in severe penalties for all parties involved in the importation process.