The Canada Border Services Agency recently announced the A2A integration of EDI solutions at border crossings as part of the country's eManifest initiative.
eManifest is an effort by the Canadian government to improve the way commercial goods entering Canada are processed. As of November 1, highway carriers can transmit pre-arrival cargo and conveyance data via EDI systems to agents before arriving at the border.
"eManifest is part of the overall measures the CBSA is putting in place to enhance the safety and security of Canadians and international trade while streamlining cross-border processes," said Cathy Munroe, vice president of the Programs Branch.
The CBSA hopes the new technology will allow agents to detect potential health, safety and security risks before goods reach border crossings. The agency also said the EDI systems will improve efficiency and expedite the processing of data.
CBSA has several new projects planned for the coming years to improve the movement of goods at border crossings. Next year, the company will integrate secure file transfers via the internet and implement similar technology for rail carriers. EDI for sea shipments will be introduced in 2012.