CARM is coming…don’t worry, we have you covered.

*The CBSA has postponed CARM Release 2 until May 13, 2024* 

WHAT IS CARM?

The CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management project, better known as CARM, is a multi-year initiative that will modernize and streamline the process of importing commercial goods into Canada. It will transform the collection of duties and taxes for imported goods and improve consistency in applying trade rules and decisions. The shipment release process will not change; however, importers will be required to post their own financial security in the form of a surety bond, or post a cash deposit in the CARM Client Portal with CBSA and be responsible for paying duties and taxes directly with CBSA. 

CARM is coming…don’t worry, we have you covered.

*The CBSA has postponed CARM Release 2 until October 2023* 

WHAT IS CARM?

The CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management project, better known as CARM, is a multi-year initiative that will modernize and streamline the process of importing commercial goods into Canada. It will transform the collection of duties and taxes for imported goods and improve consistency in applying trade rules and decisions. The shipment release process will not change; however, importers will be required to post their own financial security in the form of a surety bond, or post a cash deposit in the CARM Client Portal with CBSA and be responsible for paying duties and taxes directly with CBSA. 

CARM is coming…don’t worry, we have you covered.

*The CBSA has postponed CARM Release 2 until October 2023* 

WHAT IS CARM?

The CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management project, better known as CARM, is a multi-year initiative that will modernize and streamline the process of importing commercial goods into Canada. It will transform the collection of duties and taxes for imported goods and improve consistency in applying trade rules and decisions. The shipment release process will not change; however, importers will be required to post their own financial security in the form of a surety bond, or post a cash deposit in the CARM Client Portal with CBSA and be responsible for paying duties and taxes directly with CBSA. 

CARM is coming…don’t worry, we have you covered.

*The CBSA has postponed CARM Release 2 until October 2023* 

WHAT IS CARM?

The CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management project, better known as CARM, is a multi-year initiative that will modernize and streamline the process of importing commercial goods into Canada. It will transform the collection of duties and taxes for imported goods and improve consistency in applying trade rules and decisions. The shipment release process will not change; however, importers will be required to post their own financial security in the form of a surety bond, or post a cash deposit in the CARM Client Portal with CBSA and be responsible for paying duties and taxes directly with CBSA. 

CARM is coming…don’t worry, we have you covered.

*The CBSA has postponed CARM Release 2 until October 2023* 

WHAT IS CARM?

The CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management project, better known as CARM, is a multi-year initiative that will modernize and streamline the process of importing commercial goods into Canada. It will transform the collection of duties and taxes for imported goods and improve consistency in applying trade rules and decisions. The shipment release process will not change; however, importers will be required to post their own financial security in the form of a surety bond, or post a cash deposit in the CARM Client Portal with CBSA and be responsible for paying duties and taxes directly with CBSA. 

WHAT IS THE TIMELINE?

CARM is a multi-year project and will be launched in three releases:

CARM Release 0 -  January 2021 (Background System Update)

• The existing ARL system is moved from its current data centre configuration to the more robust SAP S4/ HANA system. If you don’t understand what this means, don’t worry. These are background software improvements, and you, the importer, will not experience any changes

CARM Release 1 -  May 25, 2021 (CARM Client Portal - LIVE)

• The CARM Client Portal (CCP) comes online
• Importers can provide delegation of authority for portal access to employees and third parties (such as customs brokers) to manage commercial imports activities (see Delegation of Authority below)

CARM Release 2 -  *May 13, 2024 - Tentative (CARM - Full Launch)

• Importers MUST post and monitor security to participate in the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) program (see below).  Importers can no longer use customs brokers' security
• CARM Client Portal has full functionality 

WHAT IS THE TIMELINE?

CARM is a multi-year project and will be launched in three releases:

CARM Release 0 -  January 2021 (Background System Update)

• The existing ARL system is moved from its current data centre configuration to the more robust SAP S4/ HANA system. If you don’t understand what this means, don’t worry. These are background software improvements, and you, the importer, will not experience any changes

CARM Release 1 -  May 25, 2021 (CARM Client Portal - LIVE)

• The CARM Client Portal (CCP) comes online
• Importers can provide delegation of authority for portal access to employees and third parties (such as customs brokers) to manage commercial imports activities (see Delegation of Authority below)

CARM Release 2 -  *October 2023 - Tentative (CARM - Full Launch)

• Importers MUST post and monitor security to participate in the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) program (see below).  Importers can no longer use Customs Broker’s security
• CARM Client Portal has full functionality 

WHAT IS THE TIMELINE?

CARM is a multi-year project and will be launched in three releases:

CARM Release 0 -  January 2021 (Background System Update)

• The existing ARL system is moved from its current data centre configuration to the more robust SAP S4/ HANA system. If you don’t understand what this means, don’t worry. These are background software improvements, and you, the importer, will not experience any changes

CARM Release 1 -  May 25, 2021 (CARM Client Portal - LIVE)

• The CARM Client Portal (CCP) comes online
• Importers can provide delegation of authority for portal access to employees and third parties (such as customs brokers) to manage commercial imports activities (see Delegation of Authority below)

CARM Release 2 -  *October 2023 - Tentative (CARM - Full Launch)

• Importers MUST post and monitor security to participate in the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) program (see below).  Importers can no longer use Customs Broker’s security
• CARM Client Portal has full functionality 

WHAT IS THE TIMELINE?

CARM is a multi-year project and will be launched in three releases:

CARM Release 0 -  January 2021 (Background System Update)

• The existing ARL system is moved from its current data centre configuration to the more robust SAP S4/ HANA system. If you don’t understand what this means, don’t worry. These are background software improvements, and you, the importer, will not experience any changes

CARM Release 1 -  May 25, 2021 (CARM Client Portal - LIVE)

• The CARM Client Portal (CCP) comes online
• Importers can provide delegation of authority for portal access to employees and third parties (such as customs brokers) to manage commercial imports activities (see Delegation of Authority below)

CARM Release 2 -  *October 2023 - Tentative (CARM - Full Launch)

• Importers MUST post and monitor security to participate in the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) program (see below).  Importers can no longer use Customs Broker’s security
• CARM Client Portal has full functionality 

WHAT IS THE TIMELINE?

CARM is a multi-year project and will be launched in three releases:

CARM Release 0 -  January 2021 (Background System Update)

• The existing ARL system is moved from its current data centre configuration to the more robust SAP S4/ HANA system. If you don’t understand what this means, don’t worry. These are background software improvements, and you, the importer, will not experience any changes

CARM Release 1 -  May 25, 2021 (CARM Client Portal - LIVE)

• The CARM Client Portal (CCP) comes online
• Importers can provide delegation of authority for portal access to employees and third parties (such as customs brokers) to manage commercial imports activities (see Delegation of Authority below)

CARM Release 2 -  *October 2023 - Tentative (CARM - Full Launch)

• Importers MUST post and monitor security to participate in the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) program (see below).  Importers can no longer use Customs Broker’s security
• CARM Client Portal has full functionality 

The CARM Client Portal (CCP) is the central feature of the CARM project. When completely functional, it will become the primary communications interface between the CBSA and its trade chain partners.

At Release 1 (May 25, 2021), the CARM Client Portal is accessible to importers and customs brokers. Users can:

• view transactions posted to their accounts
• make payments by credit card or set up pre-authorized debit
• delegate portal access to employees and third parties (such as customs brokers and trade consultants) to manage commercial imports activities
• electronically request and track the progress of rulings
• classify goods and estimate duties and taxes

At Release 2 (*May 13, 2024 - Tentative), the CARM Client Portal will have full functionality and be available to all trade chain partners. Users will be able to:

• submit, correct and adjust a Commercial and Accounting Declaration (CAD), which will replace the current customs coding form (B3) and request for adjustment form (B2)
• post and monitor security to participate in the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) program as an importer

For more information, please see the CBSA CARM Onboarding Portal Guide for Importers:

The CARM Client Portal (CCP) is the central feature of the CARM project. When completely functional, it will become the primary communications interface between the CBSA and its trade chain partners.

At Release 1 (May 25, 2021), the CARM Client Portal is accessible to importers and customs brokers. Users can:

• view transactions posted to their accounts
• make payments by credit card or set up pre-authorized debit
• delegate portal access to employees and third parties (such as customs brokers and trade consultants) to manage commercial imports activities
• electronically request and track the progress of rulings
• classify goods and estimate duties and taxes

At Release 2 (*October 2023 - Tentative), the CARM Client Portal will have full functionality and be available to all trade chain partners. Users will be able to:

• submit, correct and adjust a Commercial and Accounting Declaration (CAD), which will replace the current customs coding form (B3) and request for adjustment form (B2)
• post and monitor security to participate in the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) program as an importer

For more information, please see the CBSA CARM Onboarding Portal Guide for Importers presentation:   

The CARM Client Portal (CCP) is the central feature of the CARM project. When completely functional, it will become the primary communications interface between the CBSA and its trade chain partners.

At Release 1 (May 25, 2021), the CARM Client Portal is accessible to importers and customs brokers. Users can:

• view transactions posted to their accounts
• make payments by credit card or set up pre-authorized debit
• delegate portal access to employees and third parties (such as customs brokers and trade consultants) to manage commercial imports activities
• electronically request and track the progress of rulings
• classify goods and estimate duties and taxes

At Release 2 (*October 2023 - Tentative), the CARM Client Portal will have full functionality and be available to all trade chain partners. Users will be able to:

• submit, correct and adjust a Commercial and Accounting Declaration (CAD), which will replace the current customs coding form (B3) and request for adjustment form (B2)
• post and monitor security to participate in the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) program as an importer

For more information, please see the CBSA CARM Onboarding Portal Guide for Importers presentation:   

The CARM Client Portal (CCP) is the central feature of the CARM project. When completely functional, it will become the primary communications interface between the CBSA and its trade chain partners.

At Release 1 (May 25, 2021), the CARM Client Portal is accessible to importers and customs brokers. Users can:

• view transactions posted to their accounts
• make payments by credit card or set up pre-authorized debit
• delegate portal access to employees and third parties (such as customs brokers and trade consultants) to manage commercial imports activities
• electronically request and track the progress of rulings
• classify goods and estimate duties and taxes

At Release 2 (*October 2023 - Tentative), the CARM Client Portal will have full functionality and be available to all trade chain partners. Users will be able to:

• submit, correct and adjust a Commercial and Accounting Declaration (CAD), which will replace the current customs coding form (B3) and request for adjustment form (B2)
• post and monitor security to participate in the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) program as an importer

For more information, please see the CBSA CARM Onboarding Portal Guide for Importers presentation:  

 The CARM Client Portal (CCP) is the central feature of the CARM project. When completely functional, it will become the primary communications interface between the CBSA and its trade chain partners.

At Release 1 (May 25, 2021), the CARM Client Portal is accessible to importers and customs brokers. Users can:

• view transactions posted to their accounts
• make payments by credit card or set up pre-authorized debit
• delegate portal access to employees and third parties (such as customs brokers and trade consultants) to manage commercial imports activities
• electronically request and track the progress of rulings
• classify goods and estimate duties and taxes

At Release 2 (*October 2023 - Tentative), the CARM Client Portal will have full functionality and be available to all trade chain partners. Users will be able to:

• submit, correct and adjust a Commercial and Accounting Declaration (CAD), which will replace the current customs coding form (B3) and request for adjustment form (B2)
• post and monitor security to participate in the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) program as an importer

For more information, please see the CBSA CARM Onboarding Portal Guide for Importers presentation:  

WHAT IS DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY? 

As of Release 1,  importers can delegate portal access to employees and third-party service providers, allowing them to manage commercial import accounting activity on behalf of the importer. Customs brokers and trade consultants can request access to their importer client portal accounts.

WHAT IS DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY? 

As of Release 1,  importers can delegate portal access to employees and third-party service providers, allowing them to manage commercial import accounting activity on behalf of the importer. Customs brokers and trade consultants can request access to their importer client portal accounts.

WHAT IS DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY? 

As of Release 1,  importers can delegate portal access to employees and third-party service providers, allowing them to manage commercial import accounting activity on behalf of the importer. Customs brokers and trade consultants can request access to their importer client portal accounts.

WHAT IS DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY? 

As of Release 1,  importers can delegate portal access to employees and third-party service providers, allowing them to manage commercial import accounting activity on behalf of the importer. Customs brokers and trade consultants can request access to their importer client portal accounts.

WHAT IS DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY? 

As of Release 1,  importers can delegate portal access to employees and third-party service providers, allowing them to manage commercial import accounting activity on behalf of the importer. Customs brokers and trade consultants can request access to their importer client portal accounts.

HOW DOES RELEASE PRIOR TO PAYMENT (RPP) CHANGE?

As of Release 2, importers must post security using their own surety bond or cash security to participate in the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) program. They will no longer be able to use their customs broker’s RPP security to clear shipments and receive Release Prior to Payment privileges.

HOW DOES RELEASE PRIOR TO PAYMENT (RPP) CHANGE?

As of Release 2, importers must post security using their own surety bond or cash security to participate in the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) program. They will no longer be able to use their customs broker’s RPP security to clear shipments and receive Release Prior to Payment privileges.

HOW DOES RELEASE PRIOR TO PAYMENT (RPP) CHANGE?

As of Release 2, importers must post security using their own surety bond or cash security to participate in the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) program. They will no longer be able to use their customs broker’s RPP security to clear shipments and receive Release Prior to Payment privileges.

HOW DOES RELEASE PRIOR TO PAYMENT (RPP) CHANGE?

As of Release 2, importers must post security using their own surety bond or cash security to participate in the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) program. They will no longer be able to use their customs broker’s RPP security to clear shipments and receive Release Prior to Payment privileges.

HOW DOES RELEASE PRIOR TO PAYMENT (RPP) CHANGE?

As of Release 2, importers must post security using their own surety bond or cash security to participate in the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) program. They will no longer be able to use their customs broker’s RPP security to clear shipments and receive Release Prior to Payment privileges.

KEY POINTS TO KEEP IN MIND

• Importers must begin to delegate authority to third party providers (customs brokers) starting May 25, 2021
• Importers will be required to post their own financial security in Release 2 (*May 2023 - Tentative)
• Importers will pay duties and taxes directly to the CBSA through the new CARM Client Portal
• Customs brokers will continue to account for the importer’s goods on the new CARM platform
• Release at the border functions performed by a customs broker will not change

KEY POINTS TO KEEP IN MIND

• Importers must begin to delegate authority to third party providers (customs brokers) starting May 25, 2021
• Importers will be required to post their own financial security in Release 2 (*May 2023 - Tentative)
• Importers will pay duties and taxes directly to the CBSA through the new CARM Client Portal
• Customs brokers will continue to account for the importer’s goods on the new CARM platform
• Release at the border functions performed by a customs broker will not change

KEY POINTS TO KEEP IN MIND

• Importers must begin delegate authority to third party providers (customs brokers) starting May 25, 2021
• Importers will be required to post their own financial security in Release 2 (May 2023 - Tentative)
• Importers will pay duties and taxes directly to the CBSA through the new CARM Client Portal
• Customs brokers will continue to account for the importer’s goods on the new CARM platform
• Release at the border functions performed by a customs broker will not change

KEY POINTS TO KEEP IN MIND

• Importers must begin to delegate authority to third party providers (customs brokers) starting May 25, 2021
• Importers will be required to post their own financial security in Release 2 (*May 2023 - Tentative)
• Importers will pay duties and taxes directly to the CBSA through the new CARM Client Portal
• Customs brokers will continue to account for the importer’s goods on the new CARM platform
• Release at the border functions performed by a customs broker will not change

KEY POINTS TO KEEP IN MIND

• Importers must begin to delegate authority to third party providers (customs brokers) starting May 25, 2021
• Importers will be required to post their own financial security in Release 2 (*May 2023 - Tentative)
• Importers will pay duties and taxes directly to the CBSA through the new CARM Client Portal
• Customs brokers will continue to account for the importer’s goods on the new CARM platform
• Release at the border functions performed by a customs broker will not change