CBSA Working Through Backlogs to Restore Normal Service (Updated)

Trade Update • Sept 30, 2025 | Updated Oct. 3, 2025

Status Update
The systems issue has been resolved; however, CBSA is still working through backlogs to restore normal service. The systems outage earlier in the week caused significant delays for carriers at all land and air ports of entry, and with the high volume of messages still being processed, delays are expected to continue through the weekend. The Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority has also issued an advisory directing Canada-bound commercial carriers to avoid the Peace Bridge crossing until further notice.

CBSA Latest Update can be found below.

he Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is experiencing significant delays at all ports of entry due to a systems outage that began earlier this week. While the issue has been resolved, delays are expected to persist through the weekend because of high message volumes and backlogs.

CBSA Latest Update

On Sunday, September 28, 2025, following a planned systems maintenance update, the CBSA hit a problem that shut down its primary border processing systems (ACROSS, Single Window, eManifest and Commercial Exports). While the problem has been resolved, the fall-out continues to impact operations.

The systems are processing the backlog of electronic messages and we are catching up; as we continue to move toward normal business, you can expect to see an increasing number of shipments being cleared electronically using regular clearance procedures.

CBSA Systems Outage Contingency Plan procedures will remain in effect for commercial goods arriving where the electronic message (Single Window Declaration or eManifest) is not on file. We expect this to be the exception as we move into the weekend.

Communications to commercial stakeholders will continue over the coming days, updating you on the progress on mitigating the backlogs.

This incident was not the result of a cyber attack – it occurred following a planned systems maintenance event. Furthermore, this incident did not directly impact the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) system.

We know the problems that a situation like this creates and appreciate your continued support in managing the situation collaboratively with us.

Systems Affected (Most Resolved)

• Inbound data via EDI and the eManifest portal is being received and processed.
• Outbound messages (acknowledgements, reject messages, RNS, completeness notices) may be delayed.
• eManifest portal users may see trade data stuck in “Updating” status.
• CERS (Canadian Export Reporting System) and CARM Client Portals are experiencing intermittent access issues.
• Clients using CERS may see the error:
  “Your document cannot be accepted at the moment. Please try again later or contact support.”

Impact on Regulated Goods

• Shipments requiring PGA/CFIA approval could face delays of 12+ hours, processed on a first-in, first-out basis.
• Resubmission requests for CFIA approval may cause duplication errors. CFIA requests no duplicate submissions.
• Perishable and urgent shipments will be prioritized where possible.

Additional Advisory

The Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority advises Canada-bound commercial carriers to avoid the Peace Bridge crossing until further notice due to capacity issues in Western New York.

Contingency Procedures

Please refer to the contingency procedures outlined below or be prepared to resume transmission once the system is available. The procedures to follow during system outages/delays can be found here.

Highway carriers:

• Provide drivers with two copies of correct paperwork for arrival.
• CBSA will accept paper documentation during the outage.
• No monetary penalties will be issued for failure to transmit required data during the outage and for 2 hours after resumption.

Client Services / Contact Information

For eManifest Portal, Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS) Portal , Single Window Initiative (SWI), Advance Commercial Information (ACI) and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI).

Technical Commercial Client Unit (TCCU): 1-888-957-7224 | 613-946-0762 (Overseas) | TCCU-USTCC@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

Hours of operation: Regular Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 17:00 ET. Call the hotline for urgent technical assistance and problems regarding the submission of trade data, e.g. reject messages, via EDI, eManifest and CERS portals. Email support is also available for EDI applications, testing and general inquiries.

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