The CERS Export Filing Requirement: How To Avoid Hefty Fines and Penalties

It's hard to imagine a world without paper exports, but we are heading into a new age. For those who’ve exported from Canada, you may have noticed that a new system is in place for export declarations. CBSA has developed CERS to help businesses ensure compliance with Canada's export controls and regulations. However, many seem to miss the key filing, which can potentially delay your shipment and lead to pricey penalties. In order to avoid fines and stay in compliance with customs, it’s important to take care of your CERS filing.

CERS is the Canadian Export Reporting System, which is an online portal through which export declarations and summary reports can be submitted to CBSA. It originated in 2020 and has since been the portal used instead of the previous CAED method. Unlike the previous system, this one’s fully electronic. The CERS filing is essential for exporters from Canada, as a B-13 export declaration is a requirement by CBSA. The CERS must be submitted before goods are shipped from Canada.

The submission allows CBSA to track the export of goods from the country, and helps enforce the regulations in place, such as ensuring the goods have proper export permits. Since CERS replaced the old CAED system, the B13A Export Declaration Form is no longer valid or accepted by CBSA. You must use CERS and file electronically. 

When Do I Need To Use CERS?

A CERS export declaration is submitted electronically, informing the Canadian government of the goods being exported, and is required for goods with value exceeding $2000 CAD.  

You do not need to file CERS in the cases of :

• Goods valued under $2000 CAD
• Goods being exported from Canada to the United States. 

Why Does CERS Exist?

While CERS allows for more ease in submitting required documents, as it is fully electronic, it also provides benefits to exporters and carriers. In using the electronic portal, you can easily access declaration or submission history and securely submit relevant documents. The portal allows CBSA to validate information quicker and keep track of exports.

Since regulations and rules, including reporting requirements in international trade, are subject to change; businesses of any size have more autonomy, and are able to keep up with regulation through a simpler and easier way to report exports. It is easier to validate any declarations, whether they were made on the exporters behalf by a broker or somebody else, to ensure that no errors are made.

Timeframes For CERS Exports

When submitting documents using CERS, there are guidelines which must be followed. For highway exports, the CERS export declaration and related permits or licenses should be submitted immediately before leaving the country. For air and rail exports, it is essential to submit the data minimum 2 hours before goods are loaded onto the vehicle. Marine or sea exports require submission minimum 48 hours prior to goods being loaded onto the vessel.

What Happens If You Do Not File CERS?

The filing is the responsibility of the exporter, and the exporter is liable for any issue or error, even if they have a broker doing it on their behalf. The exporter has to ensure that filing is completed and correct. Failure to file CERS or file it correctly can result in penalties and hefty fines.

How To File CERS

The set up process for CERS is fairly straight forward. If you want to register your business for a CERS account, then you will need to complete a few key steps. If you previously used the CAED system, then you would have received the CERS activation information. For those who haven’t, you can contact the CBSA directly on that matter or consider the following steps:

For new users, you would need to apply for CERS. You will need to complete the appropriate form (Exporter reporting application form: BSF81) and send it to CBSA via email. You can expect to wait up to five (5) business days for approval, provided that there are no errors on your application. You will need your business number in order to use CERS.

However, there is an easier way.

If you use a reliable CERS service provider, such as Zipments, you can complete the process in less time and with greater accuracy. If you need help setting up your CERS and figuring out how to submit your export declaration or summary report, and even how to add users to your CERS; you can reach out to our team at Zipments and we can help walk you through the process with ease.

The Zipments team has expertise in CERS export filing, with short wait times and competitive options. If you'd like to get started, you can contact Zipments representatives directly at:

Elvis Cavalic via LinkedIn

Via Email: elvis@zipments.io

CERS filing is the key to staying out of trouble with customs, which is why it’s important to ensure you are on top of your documentation. If you’ve struggled to find a service provider who can handle CERS filing without hassle, you’ve now got options. The Zipments team is skilled in processing CERS filings and ensuring you stay in customs compliance.  We are here to help you meet your export control obligations with ease!