Failed PARS: What To Do When A Shipment Is Not Yet Processed By CBSA

Nobody likes a customs delay. Unfortunately, carriers may sometimes face issues where they arrive at the border before a shipment has been processed, meaning the goods cannot be released right away. In Canada, when this occurs, they would undergo a process known as a Failed PARS. When a Failed PARS happens, carriers may be subject to taking a few extra steps at the border, either because the PARS is not on file or the shipment has not been processed. 

When you're coming into Canada, your primary concern should be getting your shipment across the border as quickly and efficiently as possible. If you are dealing with CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency), then you want to make sure you follow regulation and the required process. With that in mind, it's important to know what to expect from PARS and how to navigate a situation where it is not on file or a shipment has not been processed yet.

PARS

The Pre-Arrival-Review-System, PARS, is a Canadian customs program meant to facilitate clearance of goods, and allows brokers to submit information early for a shipment’s release. The PARS number is a combination of the carrier code, the word PARS, and the PRO number of a shipment. 

PARS is a necessary part of international shipping and will be required in order for goods to be released at the Canadian border.  If there is rejection of a release request, there will be a note provided as to the cause. In the case of a rejection or issues, the importer or broker have the responsibility to make corrections before release can occur. At the border, the carrier or driver will be directed to the customs broker to resolve the issue in a timely manner. 

Where Do You Put a PARS Label or Sticker? 

Usually you will need one PARS label for the entire shipment, and the driver should have the original paperwork with the barcode in their hand at the border. The PARS label should be attached to the Customs Invoice or the Bill of Lading. While the PARS sticker should be on the main page of your customs invoice or BOL; if there are multiple pages to your document then you need to number the pages (Page 1 of 3, Page 2 of 3 etc.), but you do not need to put a PARS sticker on each page, just the first page.  At customs, border services will usually scan the label and if everything checks out, then you are clear to cross.

What Is The Reason A Shipment Is Not Processed?

There are many reasons why a shipment may not have been processed by the time a carrier arrives at the border. Sometimes it has to do with the fact that a broker never received the paperwork from the importer, or they were not given enough processing time. Documents should be sent at the time freight is picked up, to give brokers enough time to process an entry. If the goods are a higher value, greater size, or require extra steps for processing, then a broker should be given enough time to process it.

Other times missing information is the reason for a border delay.  Lack of paperwork, such as a customs invoice, can lead to issues. If the shipment is missing licenses, permits or adequate descriptions, and if documentation is filled out incorrectly, then there will be a delay until this matter is resolved; which is why having all your paperwork completed correctly can avoid long delays. 

Border crossing can be stressful and frustrating. But, if you use Zipments to complete and submit your data, it will make the process smooth and easy. Zipments uses the latest technology to provide efficient Canada customs invoice forms and carrier code applications. There is also a vetted customs broker directory for any contact information you may need.

You won't have to worry about missing information, when you can digitize and speed up your customs clearance process.  Zipments customs clearance forms have more benefits than your traditional paperwork.

✔️Easy To Fill Out Template - Submit In Minutes
✔️CBSA Approved
✔️AI Generated Tariff or HS Code For Your Customs Invoice 
✔️Send Invoices Between Carrier, Broker and Importer
✔️Seamless Communication 

What Is a Failed PARS?

The "Failed PARS" process came into existence as a way to allow carriers to expedite movement of trucks at the border. If a release was not available when the truck arrived at the border, then system would put the shipment in-bond to the port and sub-location that is on the manifest. This process helps avoid long delays for carriers and ensures a more timely release of goods.

Sometimes, when a shipment has not been processed in time, and the carrier arrives at the border before it’s been processed, then the customs release procedure may look a little different. This should not occur regularly, but it does happen sometimes. Usually, if there is an issue with the submission of a release request for the shipment, the goods will not be released at first point of arrival, rather it will go through a "Failed PARS" process.  If a shipment arrives and encounters this issue, then you can address it two ways:

• The shipment can be held at first point of arrival until the release request is submitted and then processed Canada Border Services Agency
• The goods can be moved to an in-land location for release at a sufferance warehouse, in which case the importer or broker should be notified by the carrier about the change in location of the release office.

Failed PARS and The Release Process

If there is a Failed PARS or lack of release, then the shipment can either be forwarded in bond or released using RMD (Release on Minimum Documentation). RMD allows importers to present data for interim accounting, and then later process the full accounting and payment. The original BOL or invoice should be given to the broker, as they need to be included with the PARS label in the RMD package submitted, so customs officials can scan the barcode into the system.

A cargo control document may be needed if you get a Failed PARS status, in which case the carrier needs to send the invoice or BOL to the customs broker at the border.  To avoid duplicate releases, the following should be done:

• Cargo Control Number (CCN) submitted with the PARS request needs to be reused on a cargo control document, if the shipment is moving forward in-bond.
• The CCN needs to be typed or handwritten on a blank cargo control document, (Form A8A (B)). It is a free form you can get from CBSA, customs broker or even dispatch.  

When a failed PARS situation arises, carriers using their own pre-printed cargo control documents can write on their documents. They should write in the Previous Cargo Control No. form field, their failed PARS number, or cross out the existing barcode number, and make sure to mark Failed PARS in the description field of the cargo control document. This process should only be done with failed PARS numbers, otherwise there may be penalties in failure to comply with barcode requirements for the release/report process.

What Should Truck Drivers Do?

If a driver ends up delayed at the border and referred to the customs broker, then it is important to present the broker with key documents including  the BOL, Canada Customs Invoice, yellow referral slip (Form E67 (08)), and any other permits or licenses the shipment has.  The customs broker will then need to resolve the issue and ensure release.

Ready for an easy border crossing? We're with you. Zipments technology provides real-time PARS tracking, so you can know your clearance status before arriving at the border. This way, drivers can contact any relevant parties who will address the issue on time, so that they are not waiting at customs.  With Zipments you can do more:

✔️Track PARS For Any Broker 

✔️Make Notes

✔️Set Tags

✔️Share PARS Status Updates

✔️Purchase PARS and PAPS Labels

✔️Get Emergency Use Same-Day Labels 

We want to make the border experience as easy and efficient as possible for your business. Set your crossing up for success with Zipments, and get it done right the first time.

The best way to avoid delays at the border when shipping? Be prepared.  Don't wait until the last minute to submit your PARS information and check your clearance status. Plan ahead for a smooth and efficient border crossing by using Zipments to complete your customs documents, get labels and track your PARS. Zipments is the most advanced, trusted and secure platform for managing your customs clearance. It's all about getting your goods through quickly!