The Release Notification System (RNS) service offers a timely and efficient notification of release decisions made by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to provide the filer with electronic messages. Release Notification System + Warehouse Arrival Certification Message (WACM) application combines the functionality of release status updates, shipment arrivals, CBSA notices, and Manifest Forward.

CBSA-licensed sufferance warehouses are required to transmit WACM to the CBSA upon arrival of unreleased inland cargo. Warehouse operators will report WACM using Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) to notify CBSA of the arrival of commercial shipments. CBSA will advise whether the goods have been released or are being referred for examination.

The RNS messages can be used to update systems, to schedule deliveries or initiate the preparation of accounting data. Additionally, carriers can electronically notify other parties affected by the release and ensure more timely delivery of shipments.

CBSA highly recommends RNS for the filing of electronic advance cargo and conveyance information, and that carriers become RNS participants. This will allow carriers to receive broker entry numbers in ACI.