Commercial Driver Registration for Customs Self Assessment

Commercial drivers must register to benefit from the Customs Self Assessment (CSA) streamlined clearance process. The Commercial Driver Registration Program (CDRP) speeds up border crossings for participating transporters carrying goods for approved importers.

Eligibility Criteria

Commercial drivers interested in simplifying their border crossings into Canada...
...are eligible if they are a:

• citizen or permanent resident of Canada; or
• citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States who meets the normal visitor requirements (i.e., good health, and the ability to support oneself while in Canada).

...qualify if they:

• provide true and complete information on the application;
• are admissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and have no criminal record which has not been pardoned;
• have not violated customs or immigration laws;
• are deemed to be of good character, meaning that the CBSA is confident they will comply with program obligations.

Note: alcohol-related driving offences (e.g., driving while intoxicated, driving while ability impaired, and driving under the influence of alcohol) are criminal offences in Canada.

Summary

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) are co-operating in this program to streamline customs and immigration clearance at border crossings for low-risk commercial drivers.

If accepted for the CDRP, the driver receives a photo registration card as well as a participant's guide that explains their obligations and responsibilities. If the driver is a resident of Canada, an approved CDRP participant may also receive a tariff guide and a book of traveller declaration cards to use when importing personal goods.

Program Benefits

• Expedited border crossing into Canada:
  • CDRP members crossing the border with pre-approved CSA goods are able to enter Canada on most occasions with minimal questions. (Drivers must comply with certain program obligations and present a CDRP photo registration card to the CBSA officer at the border)
• Simplified personal declaration process:
  • Registered drivers who are residents of Canada may make personal declarations by completing a Travellers Declaration Card.
  • Have applicable personal duties and taxes billed to a personal credit card, if required.
• Extended participation in other programs:
  • CDRP approved drivers can also apply to participate in the FAST Program, which provides dedicated lanes (where available) in Canada and the US and accelerated customs and immigration processing.

Manitoba Contact(s):
See National Contact.

National Contact(s):
Border Information Service - BIS
Canada Border Services Agency
Telephone: 204-983-3500 or 506-636-5064 (for calls outside Canada)
Toll-free (information): 1-800-461-9999 (for calls within Canada)
Web site: http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/menu-eng.html