Export Import Controls System II (EICS-II)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

About EICS-II

What is EICS-II?

  • Export Import Controls System (EICS-II) is a user-friendly, web-based application.  EICS-II provides secure online access to Canadians who will be able to submit applications for import and export permits and certificates.

Why does EICS and EXCOL need to change?

  • Both EICS and EXCOL and some of their associated software are out dated and no longer supported by the software vendors.  Replacing aging systems will ensure we have stronger application availability, reduce the number of incidents reported by our clients and result in quicker, more efficient, less costly and higher quality interactions between DFAIT and our clients.

Access to EICS-II

Who will have access to the EICS-II?

  • Initially, all users of EICS and EXCOL will have access to EICS-II.

What will be the level of access to EICS-II for Importers and Exporters?

  • All Exporters of Military and Strategic Goods and Technology and Logs will be able to access the EICS-II online interface and submit strategic and Logs export permit applications as currently done in EXCOL.
  • Licensed Customs Brokers will be able to submit online permit applications for the import and export of controlled products.
  • Importers and Exporters who have registered and enrolled for online access will be able to submit the application for a share of the commodity quota and will be able to view their quota balance online. 

What are the hours of availability of the system once EICS-II is implemented?

  • EICS-II will be available for application processing from Monday to Saturday, and Statutory Holidays: 4:00 a.m. to 11:55 p.m. ET, and Sunday: 4:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. ET.
  • EICS Client Support Centre Hours of Operation are Monday to Friday, 07:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. ET.

EICS-II Registration and Enrolment

What is Account Registration?

  • All Importers, Exporter, or Customs Brokers who wish to transact business with EICS-II will need to register for an EIPA Account number.  

What is an EIPA Account number?

  • The EIPA number is a unique account identifier that is REQUIRED by all Applicants, Importers and Exporters.  Once you have registered for an EIPA account, an email containing your company or your individual EIPA number will be sent to you.

I already have an EIPA account number; will I need to re-register with EICS-II?

  • No you do not need to re-register. Your exiting EIPA Account number will continue to exist. 

What is User Access Enrolment?

  • Any individual who wishes to gain authenticated online access to their EIPA account will need to enrol for online user access. 
  • EICS-II will provide secure on-line user access using the Government of Canada Credential Federation (GC CF). The GCCF is not part of the EICS-II application, and is created separately.  It is a security device that allows you personally to access various federal Government on-line services in addition to EICS-II.

I am already enrolled in the current system.  Will I need to re-enrol?

  • Existing users with a GCCF will have to re-enrol when EICS-II is launched.

How do I enrol for online access to EICS-II?

  • More details on the process to enrol or re-enrol will be provided before EICS-II goes ‘live’. 

Can NON Canadians residents enrol for user access to EICS-II?

  • Yes. As an enrolled user, they can follow the progress of a permit application request. However, Non-Canadian residents may not apply for permits.

Is there a system access fee?

  • A: There is no system fee for an EIPA Account or enrolment in EICS-II.  

Training on EICS-II

Will there be training for EICS-II?

  • There will be no formal training for the EICS-II application except for DFAIT employees. The application is intuitive, and electronic user guides will be made available on-line. More information will be posted as it becomes available.

Technical Requirements

  • It is too early to discuss any technical requirements. Information will be posted as it becomes available.

Additional Information

Who can we communicate with for more information on the EICS-II Project?

  • A. Further information related to the development of the system and the project will be shared with clients over the coming months.
  • Please send questions and/or comments about the EICS-II system via email to eics.scei@international.gc.ca .