New Export Import Controls System to go live June 3

The Export Import Controls Bureau of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade is replacing its existing permit processing system (IPPS) with a new Export Import Controls System (EICS).

The existing system has been in place for many years and advances in technology now provide alternative methods for the exchange of data and the issuance of permits.

Over the life of this project, the Bureau has consulted with customs brokers directly or through the broker associations. The level of interaction has increased recently during the last phase of the project and the Acceptance Testing Stage. The associations have been instrumental in disseminating key project information to the broker community on DFAIT’s behalf.

Notwithstanding, it is imperative that all broker companies understand the forthcoming change.

The implementation of the EICS is Tuesday, June 3, 2003. The EICS will be made available to the broker community at 8:00 a.m. Eastern time on June 3 following the conversion of five years of data and the validation of this process.

The transition from the old IPPS to the new application will commence on Thursday, May 29, 7:00 p.m. Eastern time. During the transition period, the IPPS system will not be available. Permits will not be issued by the Bureau during this transition period.

The Bureau strongly recommends that all online brokers contact their clients and advise them of the planned outage and that they submit permit applications for the four-day weekend, well in advance to minimize any impact on their business activities. Permits can be applied for up to 30 days in advance of the entry date into Canada.

Canada Customs and Revenue Agency may refuse to release goods that arrive at the border that are not supported by a permit.

After transition, all import / export business transactions will be handled by the new EICS. A future notice will provide brokers with details of extended hours on the IPPS for permit application processing just prior to the shutdown.

Access to new EICS will be provided using two methods: WEB access and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) over the Internet. All current online brokers were invited and encouraged to participate in the final phase of system testing that began February 13 through to May 23, 2003.

Current online customs brokers are advised to consult the Export Import Controls Bureau Web site. The Web site is located at http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/eicb and provides information related to the EICS project.

The Bureau has also established an EICS Help Desk Service. You may contact the Help Line by calling either 1-877-808-8838 from outside Ottawa or 944-1265 from the National Capital Region. DFAIT says it will be providing extended coverage and additional resources to this service during the start-up period.

The first phase will include customs brokers who have an existing online relationship with the Department, followed by brokers who are already on DFAIT’s waiting list. The third component will include all other brokers who request access to the new system. To view the three lists of customs brokers that correspond to each phase, please consult the DFAIT Website.