# Rules & documentation



## ACSS rule changes enhance payment system processes

These changes took effect on July 27, 2026.

Payments Canada has implemented a [series of administrative and operational amendments](https://www.payments.ca/acss-rule-changes-enhance-payment-system-processes) to the [Automated Clearing Settlement System](https://www.payments.ca/systems-services/payment-systems/retail-batch-payment-system) (ACSS) rules. These updates provide expanded definitions and process efficiency.

Payments Canada’s rules, standards and procedure documents are updated regularly and versions posted online are in force. You can contact Payments Canada for confirmation by e-mail at [info@payments.ca](mailto:info@payments.ca?subject=Rules%20%26%20documentation).



  Rules - [Retail batch payment system](https://www.payments.ca/markdownify/node/35?field_rules_type=1)
- [High-value payment system - Lynx](https://www.payments.ca/markdownify/node/35?field_rules_type=2)
- [Real-Time Rail payment system](https://www.payments.ca/markdownify/node/35?field_rules_type=3)
- [System by-laws](https://www.payments.ca/markdownify/node/35?field_rules_type=5)
- [Rules updates & process](https://www.payments.ca/markdownify/node/35?field_rules_type=170)

 

 

## Retail batch payment system



Rules for the Automated Clearing and Settlement System (ACSS) updated, effective July 27, 2026.



 

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| [Item](?field_rules_type=1&keyword=&field_category_type=All&order=natural_category&sort=asc "sort by Item") | [Title](?field_rules_type=1&keyword=&field_category_type=All&order=natural_title&sort=asc "sort by Title") | [Updated](?field_rules_type=1&keyword=&field_category_type=All&order=field_date&sort=asc "sort by Updated") | System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction | [Introduction   ](/sites/default/files/a_introduction_eng.pdf?v=1785157672) | 07/27/2026 | Retail batch payment system |
| Quick links - ACSS | [Automated clearing settlement system rules, standards and by-laws   ](/sites/default/files/quick_links_-_acss_rules_and_standards.pdf?v=1788271147) | 11/21/2022 | Retail batch payment system |
| Association By-law No. 3 | [Payment Items & ACSS By-law   ](https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2003-346/index.html) | 08/10/2021 | Retail batch payment system, System by-laws |
| Association By-law No. 6 | [Compliance   ](https://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2003-347/index.html) | 08/16/2021 | Retail batch payment system, High-value payment system - Lynx, System by-laws |
| Institution numbers and clearing arrangements | [Institution numbers and clearing arrangements   ](/sites/default/files/Institution_numbers_and_clearing_arrangements.pdf?v=1789396222) | 07/31/2026 | Retail batch payment system |
| Policy Statement | [Prohibition of Tele-Cheques in the Clearing and Settlement System   ](/sites/default/files/prohibition_of_telecheques_in_the_acss.pdf?v=1660839948) | 06/01/2003 | Retail batch payment system |
| Rule A1 | [General Rules Pertaining to Items Acceptable for Clearing   ](/sites/default/files/a1eng.pdf?v=1785157836) | 07/27/2026 | Retail batch payment system |
| Rule A3 | [Endorsement and Identification of Paper Items   ](/sites/default/files/a3eng.pdf?v=1763998856) | 11/24/2025 | Retail batch payment system |
| Rule A4 | [Returned and Redirected Items   ](/sites/default/files/a4eng.pdf?v=1785157876) | 07/27/2026 | Retail batch payment system |
| Rule A5 | [Credits to Accounts of Deceased Customers   ](/sites/default/files/a5eng.pdf?v=1732546344) | 11/25/2024 | Retail batch payment system |
| Rule A6 | [Items in Dispute   ](/sites/default/files/a6eng.pdf?v=1732546374) | 11/25/2024 | Retail batch payment system |
| Rule A9 | [Arbitration   ](/sites/default/files/a9eng.pdf?v=1732546415) | 11/25/2024 | Retail batch payment system |

 

 

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