Notice
As of February 2020, all importers and custom brokers must be using the secure AVS web link https://www.inspection.gc.ca/svs and the updated AVS Tech Specifications. If you experience technical difficulties, please contact the National Import Service Centre.
The Automated Import Reference System Verification Service (AVS) is designed to validate the coding of multiple Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) commodities in a single request for importers/brokers. It minimizes the number of rejected Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) requests due to incorrect entries, or missing or invalid AIRS coding in EDI transactions. AVS helps importers/brokers validate multiple commodities against the most current AIRS database. Within minutes, AVS identifies which line in a transaction, if any, is incorrect. In addition, AVS clearly indicates the line number in error, thereby eliminating the need for importers/brokers to contact the National Import Service Centre (NISC) to pinpoint the error.
Benefits of using AVS
- AVS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- all product lines can be verified at once, to a maximum of 400 lines per message
- AVS clearly identifies the line number in error
- AVS reduces the number of rejections in EDI
- AVS reduces calls to the NISC to verify status and to identify the errors
- AVS minimizes delays at the border and expedite the release of shipments
- AVS provides a more efficient means to validate and update AIRS codes
Related links
AVS Webkey
To request an AVS Webkey please contact the CFIA EDI Coordinator and provide your Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) account security number.