Cross-Border
Compliance Checker
Know exactly which documents you need before crossing the Canada–US border. Free, accurate, updated for CUSMA/USMCA.
Which direction is your shipment travelling?
Select the crossing direction to get the correct compliance requirements.
Cross-Border Freight at a Glance
ACI eManifest Timing
Canadian customs (CBSA) requires the ACI eManifest at least 1 hour before arrival for highway shipments. Missing the deadline can result in holds and fines.
PAPS vs PARS
PAPS (Pre-Arrival Processing System) is for Canada→US shipments. PARS (Pre-Arrival Review System) is for US→Canada. Your carrier generates the barcode — get it right before dispatch.
CUSMA/USMCA Savings
Most goods traded between Canada and the US qualify for duty-free treatment under CUSMA. A valid Certificate of Origin can save significant duties — work with a broker to confirm eligibility.
Ready to move a cross-border shipment?
OTR is a freight broker, not a customs broker. OTR coordinates transportation only, not customs classification, filings, eligibility, duties, taxes or clearance. Consult your appointed customs broker or the appropriate authority. Importers retain their responsibilities; customs authorities decide release.
About this tool
What it calculates
Provides an interactive checklist of documentation and regulatory requirements for Canada–US cross-border freight shipments, organized by party responsibility.
Who it's for
Shippers, customs brokers, and carriers moving freight across the Canada–US border.
What you'll need
Shipment direction (northbound / southbound), commodity type, and answers to condition questions.
How to use the result
Use to verify you have the right documents in place before tendering the shipment. This is a guidance tool — not a substitute for a licensed customs broker filing.
Key assumptions
Requirements reflect current CBSA and CBP regulations. Rules for controlled substances, food, agriculture, and HAZMAT are subject to change and have additional requirements not fully captured here.
When to confirm with a specialist
Consult your appointed customs broker or the appropriate authority for classification, filings, eligibility, duties and taxes. OTR Logistics Solutions is a freight broker, not a customs broker; we coordinate transportation with your broker and do not provide customs clearance or decide release.
Need help with this shipment?
OTR Logistics Solutions specialists available 24/7 — no account required.
Related Free Tools
OTR Hub
Loading Cross-Border Compliance Checklist…
Preparing the tool while keeping this page in place.