It’s been one year already that CBSA switched over to the CERS program to account for exports from Canada. The B13A and CAED export declaration are now a thing of the past.
As a refresher, goods valued at over $2000.00 CAD and exported to countries other than the USA require a CERS declaration.
Many exporters have found CERS to be user friendly. The Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS) is a free, web-based, self-service portal that allows electronic transmission. Long are the days where someone would complete a paper B13A in triplicate and give copies to CBSA prior to exporting goods out of Canada.
Simple registration involves:
- A business registration number. If you do not have a business number one can be obtained by calling 1-800-959-8886.
- Complete form BSF831 and send to: CBSA Export Program
If a client’s business number is invalid or not designated for both import and export, CERS can detect this through its enhanced verification process.
To log on to the portal a GCKey or a sign-in-partner is required. These are assigned to unique individual users and should not be shared between employees. Interestingly, this GC Key and sign-in partner log in can also be used for the CARM portal. The Government of Canada provides easy step-by-step instructions on how to obtain a GCKey: Link to get a GC Key
The Government of Canada also published a quick reference guide which can be found here: CERS user guide.
We understand at Border Brokers that this may be overwhelming.
Good news – we can help! It is perfectly acceptable to appoint or delegate this process to a third party, such as a customs service provider. Be aware that when using your business registration number, you are liable for the accuracy of the information on the CERS declaration. It’s always good practice to review any official document including the CERS declaration.
If you are an exporter and would like assistance with your CERS, we are only a phone call away.
Call us at 204-633-7207 and ask to speak with Kim Ross or Alfred Chase.