NOW RELEASING OCTOBER 2024
An Importer’s Guide to CARM
The CBSA Assessment & Revenue Management (CARM) Project will affect all importers in Canada & those importing into Canada. Find information, tools, and services below that you’ll need to navigate this monumental change to how you import.
COUNTDOWN TO CARM
THE FACTS
ALL Imports into Canada will be affected by CARM and it is Mandatory
The Government of Canada’s mandatory implementation of CARM is changing how every person and business imports into Canada. If you import into Canada regularly, or you’re a one-time importer, you must take the below steps – as soon as possible, prior to October 2024 – to properly prepare for CARM in order to smoothly navigate the impacts of its implementation on your importing activities.
Customs Brokers like KDS may still complete customs entries and releases on behalf of an importer, but there is now more responsibility on the importer themself being requested by the CBSA & Government Canada following CARM’s implementation.
Register in the CARM Client Portal
All importers must register their business in the CARM Client Portal and delegate authority to their customs broker to allow them to continue to transact business with CBSA on their behalf.
Obtain Financial Security
All importers must post their own financial security with the CBSA in order to maintain the same Release Prior to Payment (RPP) as previously done by a customs broker on your behalf. Importers have the option between an annual surety bond or a cash deposit.
Make Payment Arrangements
Importers will need to make payment arrangements with your customs broker to pay your duties and taxes to the CBSA. Failure to remit payment on time could result in goods being held at the border until received. Your customs broker can help you determine the best payment method.
For help completing these steps, continue to:
There are many risks associated with delaying your business’s CARM registration and not preparing for its launch
There is a lot at stake for your importing activities and the window is closing. You will experience business disruptions and your goods will be held at the border if you do not comply and act as soon as possible. Take action now to avoid these potential impacts on your business.
The Registration Window Is Closing
The window to take advantage of the CBSA’s 180 day grace period is closing. It will become much more difficult and time consuming to register the closer we get to the launch in October 2024.
Financial Penalties Are Possible
Late accounting penalties may be incurred for each shipment transaction until you are registered in the CARM Client Portal, authority is delegated, and retransmission of the commercial accounting declaration (CAD) is complete.
Goods Will Be Delayed
If your business does not complete the above steps before October 2024, your goods will not be released at the border – regardless of the help of your customs broker. Delays in release of goods can result in disruption to your business, unhappy clients, & non-returning customers.
Our CARM Services
Looking for help registering for CARM? KDS is offering three CARM registration assistance services to help you navigate the changes occurring with the implementation of CARM and ensure you business is ready.
CARM Registration
Our team is here to help you register in the CARM Client Portal on your behalf. The Client Portal is where you will monitor your import transactions.
For registration assistance, please complete our CARM registration form
CARM Affinity Questions
Your Business Account Manager (BAM) will be required to answer affinity/security questions to confirm your account in the CARM Client Portal.
If you need help obtaining the responses, please complete our Affinity Request Form
CARM Consultation Booking
Book a personal 1-on-1 consultation with one of our knowledgeable CARM Consultants to cover any questions or provide information related to registration, processes, and requirements for CARM.
Click to book a consultation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CARM?
CARM (or CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management) is a project by the Government of Canada aiming to simplify and streamline the process of importing commercial goods into Canada. It is the most significant change in the Canadian importing process in over 30 years.
How does CARM affect importers?
CARM presents significant changes for both Canadian and Non-Resident businesses importing commercial goods into Canada. As a result, all importers must:
- Register to the CARM Client Portal
- Post their own financial security (surety bond or cash deposit) to participate in the Release Prior to Payment Privilege (RPP) program. (Your shipments will no longer be able to be released under your customs brokers’ import bond.)
- Review internal accounting processes to align with changes in billing cycles for the payment of duties, taxes, and fees.
Being registered in the CARM Client Portal and securing your own financial security is required to be able to import into Canada after October 2024. If you do not register early, you will experience delays with your shipments or your shipments will not be released.
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