CARM: CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management

The CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) initiative is a major change to how duties and taxes are collected for goods imported into Canada. As part of CARM Release 3, launched on October 21, 2024, several critical changes have occured for importers and customs brokers.

CARM Implementation Updates

Stay informed on the latest changes, fixes, and challenges in the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) system.

CBSA's shift in customs compliance to a more digital and importer-focused system has created new issues that can impact duties, taxes, and financial statements. We’re here to provide regular, transparent updates, empowering your team to stay ahead of changes and confidently navigate the evolving CARM landscape.

What You’ll Get:

• Timely Insights: These updates highlight current issues and their resolutions.
• Proactive Alerts: Stay in the loop with essential information on HS codes, tariffs, excise, and GST.
• Clear Steps Forward: Easy-to-follow guidance helps you handle CARM’s new requirements efficiently.

By staying informed, you’ll protect your bottom line and ensure compliance without unexpected disruptions. Explore Canadian Society of Customs Broker's (CSCB's) latest updates and secure your importing success with transparency and confidence.

Registering on the CARM Client Portal (CCP)

All commercial goods importers must register on the CARM Client Portal (CCP). This portal has centralized tasks such as receiving CBSA communications, managing payments, viewing account information, and delegating authority to customs brokers. Importers need to familiarize themselves with the portal and delegate authority to their brokers, allowing them to continue handling customs releases and accounting tasks on behalf of the importer.

Roles & Responsibilities - Importer vs Customs Broker

While brokers can still help manage customs entries, importers now have a more significant role in financial security and account management. Importers will no longer be able to rely on their broker’s financial security and must post their own surety bond or cash deposit to participate in the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) program. Importers are now responsible for payments to CBSA for their import account balances.

Financial Security

By April 2025, importers must post financial security in the form of a surety bond or cash deposit through the CCP. Bond security amounts are calculated to cover 50% of the highest monthly amounts payable to the CBSA. Cash deposits are calculated to cover 100% of the highest monthly amount payable to the CBSA. There is a 180-day transition period to meet this requirement starting from October 2024.

Commercial Accounting Declaration (CAD)

The CAD has replaced the B3 customs coding form and B2 adjustment form, modernizing the way importers submit accounting information. All declarations must be processed using CAD format, with an initial CAD representing the declaration and additional versions of the CAD showing changes to it.

To prepare, ensure your company is registered on the CCP, delegate roles to your customs broker, confirm your payment method, and secure the necessary financial bonds before the end of the transition period.

For more detailed guidance, you can visit the CBSA’s official website on CARM.

Click here for CBSA's latest CARM Updates.