According to changed US Security Regulations the EBR requirements for shipments to and through the USA have been withdrawn with immediate effect.
The requirements for shipments to/through Canada and Australia remain unchanged.
Therefore, the requirements of an Established Business Relationship (EBR) statement between the shipper and the freight forwarder still need to be confirmed by a document for each shipment to and through Canada and Australia only.
Amended security measures to Canada – Frequently asked questions
1. What does EBR mean?
Established business relationship: The business relation is considered established, if a shipper
- is a Known Consignor (KC);
or - has a business relationship with your company prior to September 2nd, 2024
or - has a business relationship with your company established on/after September 2nd, 2024 and has a record of
- a. their business or corporate registration certificate, license, or record; and
- b. their Business or corporate information, including name, address, phone number, and email address; and
- c. contact information, including name and position, of authorized point of contact for the account; and
- d. payment information, such as a corporate credit card number; and
- e. a signed contract between the person and the regulated agent or carrier.
2. Is exWorks part of the EBR relationship?
It is up to the forwarder to determine whether or not they can meet one of the requirements in the EBR attestation when arranging an exWorks shipment.
3. How is the EBR confirmed?
Our Customer (FF) needs to complete the EBR Statement confirming the business relationship with the Shipper/Consignor.
The GHA checks EBR Statement is complete and signed. The Customer (FF) ensures, that one (1) EBR Statement is handed over at acceptance check. The EBR document is to be archived for 120 days at origin (audit trail).
4. In what form can the EBR compliance confirmation be submitted?
The completed and signed EBR confirmation can be submitted in paper form:
- Original or
- Copy
Only one (1) EBR document needs to be handed over at goods acceptance.
5. Are variations of the EBR statement accepted?
As long as the language stated in the EBR is kept aligned and identical with the version provided by SWISS WorldCargo, it may be accepted.
6. Is an eSignature acceptable on the EBR confirmation?
Yes, SWISS WorldCargo requires an “official” signature. Either in handwriting or through a secure signature tool such as “DocuSign” or a digitally available hand signature that can be copied into the EBR document.
7. What does Business Relationship mean?
Business Relationship: An association between persons (persons includes individuals and entities) that includes the establishment of an account with physical and billing addresses AND a payment or credit history documented through invoices or billing records OR documented history of sales that may include any contacts or activities OR documented correspondence or business records as listed in the model security program definition section.
8. Which cargo is affected?
Any cargo or consolidated shipment except commodities as mentioned below (9. Which cargo is not affected?)
Mail is affected, please find more information in question 10.
9. Which cargo is NOT affected?
AVI, HUM, DIP, COMAT (Company Material)
10. Which countries are open for Mail in Europe to Canada?
We have a mail embargo in place for European Designated Postal Offices (DPO) having mail to Canada and having not yet signed the special security procedure.
All mail which is originated outside of Europe is not affected by these restrictions.
11. Does the EBR requirement apply for HUM?
Yes. There are no exception for HUM.
HUM may not be transported if they do not meet the EBR requirement.
12. Does the EBR requirement apply for AVI?
No. AVI shipments can be transported without an EBR statement.
13. What is a Known Consignor?
Known Consignor: the originator of property for transportation by air who has established business with a regulated agent or foreign air carrier and provide security controls that are accepted or required by the appropriate authority in respect of cargo.
14. What is a Regulated Agent?
Regulated Agent: an agent freight forwarder or any other entity who conducts business with an operator and provides security controls that are accepted or required by the appropriate authority in respect of cargo or mail.
15. How is the interline business affected?
We can continue to accept Interline shipments through the US and Canada. The new regulations do not apply to shipments already transported by LX/WK to hand over to an OAL (e.g. to SAM).
In case an interline partner hands over cargo originated in one of the respective countries for transportation towards Canda, the interline partner must confirm that all shipments comply with the EBR requirements in written form.
16. Is there an e-process or a SHC for EBR?
No, at the moment we only can accept paper documents (EBR confirmation form) and there is no electronic process implemented yet. In case of EAW booking, the EBR statement (in paper form) will be handed over at the GHA at origin with the shipment.
No additional EBR statement will accompany the shipment after acceptance process
17. Will EAW bookings still be allowed from the affected countries into Canada?
Yes, in case of EAW booking, the EBR statement (in paper form) will be handed over to the GHA at origin with the shipment.
No additional EBR statement will accompany the shipment after the acceptance procedure.
18. What do IED and IID mean?
19. Is the handling agent allowed to archive the EBR statements digitally?
Yes, the EBR statements may be scanned and archived digitally.