As of April 1, 2011, carriers transporting commercial goods in to Canada will require their own carrier code and will no longer be permitted to us the 77YY itinerant carrier code. Carriers must apply for and have a carrier code BEFORE entering Canada or they will be denied entry by the Canada Border Services Agency.
What is a carrier code? A carrier code is a 4 digit alpha numeric code that is specific to each carrier and it issued but the Canada Border Service Agency. The 77YY is called an itinerant carrier code because prior to it removal; a carrier and/or a person were permitted to use the code up to 5 times per year to cross the border with commercial goods.
This will mean not only carriers crossing into Canada will have to apply for the carrier code, but the average Joe as well. The average Joe is defined as a person who is transporting commercial goods on behalf of the importer. If an importer chooses not to use a carrier for the shipment, but transports the commercial goods themselves, they too will have to apply for a carrier code prior to crossing into Canada. Without a carrier code, both the average Joe and importer will be denied entry and sent back to the United States.
This does not apply to the movement of your personal goods that are crossing the border with you into Canada.
For your convenience, Pacific Customs Brokers offers the application forms for pick up. For more information, call toll free 888.538.1566 and ask for the Client Services Team at Pacific Customs Brokers and/or email: carriers@pcb.ca for additional information.
Tags: 77YY, carrier code, trans-border movement
