Electronic Longroom | CBSA Automates And Streamlines Paper Processes

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced in their 2021-22 Departmental Plan that “To further streamline commercial processing, the Agency will continue to implement the Electronic Longroom, an email and digital stamping service offered at some CBSA offices that provides an alternative way to submit certain documentation to the CBSA. This initiative automates and expedites the process for commercial clients to declare goods and pay applicable duties and taxes.” 

The Electronic Longroom actually began as an initiative in 2020, and was a means to advance the continued movement of cargo and reduce face-to-face interaction with a CBSA officer amidst the throes of COVID-19. It started with 26 offices and CBSA expects to expand it to 100 offices by the end of 2021.

What Is The Electronic Longroom?

The CBSA Electronic Longroom is an email and digital stamping service which commercial clients can use instead of submitting paper requests in person. 

It does not replace existing legislation and policies for the release of goods which will continue to apply. Refer to CBSA Memorandum Memorandum D17-1-4.

The CBSA offers this service at a number of their ports and offices. Refer to the Directory of CBSA Offices and Services to find out if your local port or office offers this service. The directory is updated weekly to indicate new offices that provide this service. 

What Are The Key Requirements For The Electronic Longroom?

• Take note of the email address used by the CBSA office which offers eLongroom services. Offices will usually have separate email addresses for cargo (manifest), exports and releases. 
• In lieu of colored wrappers, write the wrapper color specified in the D-memos on the first page, to enable the triage of requests. Refer to D17-1-10 for color coding of wrappers.
• Be sure to notate in the subject line of your email your request type. For example Gold- RMD - 123456789101112131415.
• The paper request must be transmitted as an attached PDF document. Be sure that file is of good quality and that ALL the information is clear and readable. 
• Documents must be submitted in the correct order and all release documents must include an EDI exception lead sheet.
• Customs brokers that do not have an office at the port must go through a local customs broker (Customs Broker Licensing Regulations).
• If your document is rejected, you will need to correct or respond to the rejection and return it with the same subject line. 
• CBSA will return stamped documentation to clients by email to acknowledge and approve the request. Below is an example of a secure digital version of a stamp. Digital stamps are shown at Electronic Longroom.

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What Documents Have Been Approved By CBSA For Electronic Submission?

Cargo

• A8A (B) Cargo Control Document
• Re-manifest
• Deconsolidation
• A10 Abstract
• A30 Diversion Notice
• BSF673 Correction Request
• A6/A6A Declaration/Manifest 

Release

• Paper RMD/PARS (with EDI exception lead sheet)
• B3 - all except where payment is required prior to release
• Regulated release requests (not excluded)
• Entered to Arrive (ETA)
• Value Included (VI)
• Aero-paper
• A48 RMD Correctors
• K36A Ships Stores
  

This new initiative will expedite your paper release or cargo request without having to attend the CBSA office. Let us help you with this new initiative. Contact one of our trade advisors to assist you.

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