Whether you are a large-scale exporting operation or a small business, the Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS) is a vital system to master. This fully electronic system replaced the old Canadian Automated Export Declaration system and has been the Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) system of choice for the management of Canadian export declarations ever since. The information included is used by Canadian Customs and Statistics Canada.

But what is CERS? How does it fit into the larger context of exporting in Canada? Do all exporters in Canada need to use CERS, and, more importantly, what are the requirements for using this system? In this week’s post, we dive into everything you need to know about this program, along with best practices for its use as you export your goods to the world at large. 

What is CERS? 

CERS is a fully online export reporting system built and managed by the CBSA. This system is a mandatory part of exporting from Canada, as it facilitates the secure transmission of export declarations, summary reports, and other necessary documentation to Customs. 

As a digital portal, it offers exporters key opportunities to validate their data before submission, while also providing easy access to their submission history. In addition to helping to streamline the export process, CERS provides exporters with a wealth of information, including access to digital assistance and official online materials.

A CERS declaration is an export declaration required by Canadian Customs and Statistics Canada for goods valued at over $2,000 Canadian or are otherwise restricted. There are several exceptions that we will discuss momentarily.

Who Needs CERS?

Nearly every commercial good exported out of Canada requires a CERS declaration, but there are notable exceptions. 

The entire list of exceptions can be found on the “Goods that Do Not Need an Export Declaration” CBSA page, but the most common ones fall under two broad categories: 

• Goods exported for consumption in the US (Including Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands)
• Non-restricted goods valued at under $2,000 Canadian dollars. 

If you are uncertain about whether your goods will require a CERS declaration, be sure to get in touch with a broker to make sure. 

How Do I Use and Register For CERS?

Registration for CERS is a relatively in-depth process, but if you follow the CBSA Guide on registering for the CERS portal, you should be well-positioned to complete it quickly and effectively. 

In brief, the process looks like this: 

1. Confirm that your business number is designated as ‘export’ or ‘both import and export’ by contacting the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). 
2. Apply to become a portal client by completing form BSF831. 
3. Submit the form by email for approval. 

The approval process takes approximately five business days, but can take longer if there is missing or incomplete data. Once approved, the CBSA will send an authorized code to the email address indicated on the application form.

It is worth mentioning here that you will need to be registered in the CARM Client Portal as an exporter to complete the registration process, despite the fact that CARM is predominantly considered an importer tool. 

The reason for this is that you must have an active Business Number (BN) for CERS, along with enrolment in the Exporter Program, to get the relevant RM export program identifier. Both of these come from registration in the CARM Client Portal, for which we provide assistance through our CARM resource page. 

Once you have them, you are free to register for the CERS as per the guide. Regarding the program’s usage, the CBSA provides a wealth of relevant information on using the CERS portal, including an exporting guide and a range of video tutorials that demonstrate its functionality.  

How to Submit Through CERS

While it is essential to have everything you need together before you begin, determining what you need can be part of the challenge. 

For example, do your goods require an export declaration as detailed above? Does it need a permit, certificate, or license for exporting? These are the key questions you need to know the answers to before you start. Once again, the CBSA offers helpful information; you are also encouraged to contact your broker for further assistance. 

When submitting your goods through CERS, you will need to input the 8-digit Canadian Export Classification number that describes your goods. This number can be obtained by following the link above, or it is one of the many ways a customs broker can help with CERS reporting. 

When Do You Submit Your CERS Report? 

Ultimately, it depends on what mode of transportation your goods are using. Generally speaking, the following are considered the accepted guidelines: 

Marine - 48 hours before the goods are loaded onto the vessel

Air - Two hours before the goods are loaded onto the aircraft

Mail - Two hours before the goods are delivered to the post office

Rail - Two hours before the goods are loaded onto the railcar

Highway - Immediately before leaving the country

If you are exporting goods that do require a permit, you are going to need to present a paper copy of your declaration, which can be a printout of your electronic export declaration if you wish, together with the other applicable permits, certificates, and licenses to the CBSA at the location specified by the permit. If it isn’t specified, then you must bring it to the export reporting office closest to your port of entry. 

If this seems complicated, or if you are hoping that someone can take the wheel on this, then there’s great news. While PCB does not offer CERS reporting as an individual service, when you work with PCB Freight for your international shipping needs, we manage the CERS for you as an added bonus. Not only will you have an expert assist with your CERS, but you’ll have one of the industry leaders in logistics and freight forwarding keeping your goods moving.

Get in contact with our team to get started today!