Border crossing
Turned back at the U.S. border with no PAPS? What to do next
CBP sent the truck back to Canada because it had no eManifest, no PAPS number or no customs entry. You can often cross again the same day. Follow these steps.
Why did CBP send the truck back?
A truck with commercial goods must have an ACE eManifest on file at least 1 hour before it arrives, or 30 minutes for a shipment that qualifies for FAST processing (19 CFR 123.92). The goods must also have a customs entry, or another permit to proceed. If one of them is missing, the officer can refuse the truck.
- No carrier sent an eManifest, so there is no PAPS number.
- There is a PAPS number, but no customs broker filed the entry.
- The PAPS number on the entry does not match the eManifest.
- The eManifest arrived less than 1 hour before the truck.
How do I cross again the same day?
- Stay in Canada at a safe place. Do not drive back to the border until the filings are on file.
- Request a same-day PAPS and clearance. Give the goods, the value, the crossing and the time you can arrive.
- Send the documents that we ask for: the invoice or bill of sale, and the driver, truck and trailer data.
- We file the eManifest and the customs entry, and arrange the bond if the importer has none.
- Wait for our confirmation that CBP accepted the filings, that the earlier refusal is addressed, and for the earliest arrival time. Then report to CBP with the barcode sheet. CBP decides the release.
Allow time
CBP needs the eManifest at least 1 hour before arrival. A new customs bond can take more time. In our November 2026 case, the surety issued the bond about 90 minutes after the request.
What does it cost?
Our estimates are $500 for the PAPS and $125 for the customs entry. The bond, duties, taxes and CBP fees are extra. We confirm the price in writing before we file.
Questions
Will a refusal stay on my record?
A refusal for a missing filing does not by itself tell you if CBP recorded a violation or a penalty. Ask the officer for the reason, keep all papers, and send them to us before the next attempt.
Can I cross at a different port?
Possibly. Send us the refusal papers and the new crossing before you change the route. The eManifest and the entry name the port of arrival, so we check the port and update the filings first.
Turned back today?
Send the request now. We tell you when the filings are on file and the driver can return.