Guide

AMPS — How to Check a CBSA Penalty Correctly

Use the exact contravention code and CBSA’s current Master Penalty Document—not a generic fine calculator.

The Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) is one way the Canada Border Services Agency enforces designated customs provisions. There is no reliable one-size-fits-all AMPS estimate: the applicable contravention, penalty basis, amount, retention period, and officer guidance must be checked in CBSA's current Master Penalty Document. For advance commercial information, that means matching the facts to the current ACI entries rather than borrowing a code from an unrelated recordkeeping, import, or export offence.

At a glance

Full name
Administrative Monetary Penalty System
Authority
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
Official lookup
CBSA Master Penalty Document
Applicability
Only provisions designated by law are subject to AMPS
Amount
Depends on the exact code, facts, basis, and current document
Document updates
CBSA says the master document is revised at least yearly

Start with the notice and exact code

A Notice of Penalty Assessment identifies the contravention used by CBSA. Look up that exact code in the current Master Penalty Document and read the whole entry: the legal description, amount, penalty basis, retention period, application guidelines, and references all matter. Do not infer an amount from a broad label such as late filing or inaccurate data.

The master document changes. CBSA describes it as subject to at least annual revision, so an old blog table or calculator can pair a current scenario with an obsolete or unrelated code.

ACI entries are specific

CBSA's current list has distinct Advance Commercial Information entries for failures involving required pre-arrival data, timing or manner, agency notifications, corrections, and information accuracy. Similar wording does not make the codes interchangeable.

For example, C340 concerns a carrier's failure to keep required records when no records exist; it is not a generic late-ACI code. Always match the responsible party and conduct described in the official entry to the facts on the notice.

If you disagree with an assessment

CBSA publishes a review process for enforcement actions and commercial AMPS assessments, including an E-Appeals option. Follow the instructions and deadline on the notice and the current CBSA recourse page; the right route can depend on the kind of assessment.

Preserve the notice, submission and response timestamps, source records, communications, and any evidence relevant to the exact allegation. For legal advice or a material assessment, consult a qualified customs professional rather than relying on this overview.

Operational controls

Use current agency instructions to identify the applicable deadline and data requirements for each movement. Validate the applicable carrier, conveyance, cargo, port, and timing data; submit through an approved production channel; confirm the agency response; correct changes when required; and retain an auditable record.

BorderPro early access can prepare drafts and run local checks, but it does not currently transmit to CBSA, confirm acceptance, prevent a penalty, or determine which AMPS contravention applies.

Official sources

Common questions

Can a generic calculator tell me my AMPS penalty?

No. Use the exact contravention code on the notice and the current CBSA Master Penalty Document. The amount and basis differ by code and circumstances.

Where are official AMPS amounts published?

CBSA publishes each designated contravention, its penalty amount or schedule, basis, retention period, guidelines, and references in the Master Penalty Document.

Can I ask CBSA to review a penalty?

CBSA provides review routes for enforcement actions and commercial AMPS assessments. Follow the deadline and instructions on your notice and CBSA’s current recourse pages.

Can BorderPro determine whether a penalty applies?

No. BorderPro early access provides draft preparation and local checks only. It does not give legal advice, transmit to CBSA, determine a contravention, or guarantee compliance.

Related guides

Written for operational context by the BorderPro team. Not legal or customs-compliance advice — verify program specifics with CBSA, CBP, or a licensed customs broker before acting on them. Programs evolve and this page may not reflect every recent change.

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Join early access to prepare and validate ACE and ACI data. Production agency transmission and live agency status are pending certification.