CARM

CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management

Step 2: CARM Client Portal Registration

Q: How long should importers allow for the CCP registration process?

The CCP registration process takes place online and can be completed within a couple hours, if the information on hand matches what is in the CBSA’s system. Businesses should anticipate spending additional time (up to several weeks) for the following: verifying legal business information, obtaining answers to the affinity questions (verification questions from the CBSA), and other technical difficulties.

Q: When should importers register in the CCP?

We recommend registering now in order to have enough time to resolve issues that may occur during the registration process as well as confirm delegations, familiarize yourself (or your BAM) with the basic functions and account activities in the CCP, and ensure account balances that could interfere with obtaining R2 security are reconciled. Importers should register in the CCP as early as possible prior to October 2023.

Q: Can multiple companies be registered together?

Companies with a unique Business Number (BN9) will require separate login credentials and CCP registration processes as entities cannot be linked in the CCP. Multiple import accounts under a business (BN15) characterized by the RM identifier will be linked in the registration process.

Q: Do Non-Resident Importers or low-volume importers need to register on the CCP?

Yes. CARM requirements and processes apply to all commercial importers bringing goods into Canada, regardless of their geographical location or how often they import.

Step 1

Self Audit

How ready is your company for CARM? We are prepared and standing by to help your business, however as importers, there are some steps you need to do on your own.

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Step 2

CCP Registration

The CCP is now live and participation in CARM is scheduled to become mandatory for Canadian importers. Let’s help you get started with registration.

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Step 3

Delegation Process

With CARM, tasks and functions traditionally provided by your customs broker are required to be completed by you, as the importer.

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Step 4

Financial Security

Importers without financial security and not enrolled in RPP cannot defer payments.

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Step 5

CBSA Account & Payments

Ideally, by now you have registered your business in the CCP and taken care of setting up the basics. Now let’s learn more about your CBSA Import Account.

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You are here!

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Go to Step 3: Delegation Process CARM Resources

Get started on the CCP

The CCP is now live and participation in CARM is scheduled to become mandatory with R2, so let’s help you get started with CCP registration. Registration in the CCP is necessary to gain access to the portal’s functionality as well as delegate access to your broker before R2.

ProTip: Before you start, answer the following questions to make the registration process smoother:

Is your legal entity information on file with the CBSA accurate?
- Refer to any recent correspondence from the CBSA or your business account with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to verify that the legal name, address and contacts on file are current.
Who will act as your primary Business Account Manager (BAM)? This person is responsible for registering and delegating access in the CCP.
- The BAM does not have to be an officer of the company, this role should be assigned to the individual that manages the organization’s trade information and CBSA payments.
Who will be the second account holder in your organization?
- We recommend establishing two BAMs for the CCP.

Once your organization has discussed CARM and assigned your primary BAM, prepare for the registration process by first reviewing our CCP Registration Checklist. Gathering the required information to validate your user account ahead of time will help make this process seamless.

CCP Registration Checklist EN CCP Registration Checklist FR

Many importers will need support from their brokers when it comes to the financial information required. If you are a Cole client, contact our CARM registration support team for inquiries or assistance in completing the onboarding process.

You can also refer to the CBSA’s Onboarding Documents and CBSA's playlist of videos for step-by-step instructions.

Additional CBSA Resources

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the impacts of not being registered in the CCP as of R2?

Commercial importers not registered in the CCP will not be able to import goods into Canada.

How long should importers allow for the CCP registration process?

When should importers register in the CCP?

Can multiple companies be registered together?

Do Non-Resident Importers or low-volume importers need to register on the CCP?

Create an individual account

Before any business information is added to the portal, you must create an individual user account or profile. One of your selected BAMs will need to do this.

IMPORTANT: the person who initially registers the business will be assigned by the system as a BAM by default. They will have to approve other users to the account after the business registration is completed.

To create your account, log in using a sign-in partner (financial institution, bank, credit union) or a GCKey.

Login / Create Account

Watch the CBSA's video on creating login credentials and a user account in CCP.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can a login and user profile be used to access multiple businesses in the CCP?

A CCP login will provide access to a specific business in the CCP. Login credentials for the CCP cannot be used across multiple business entities holding unique business numbers registered with the CRA.

Register a business

The BAM registering the business will need to enter pertinent information, including:

The unique business number (BN9);
Import/export program account (RM);
and registered name and address information.

They will also need to answer a couple of affinity (verification) questions about their CBSA transactions or balances.

ProTip: To ensure a smooth registration process:

Make sure you’re in the right place. When logged in for registration, the web page should state “CARM Client’s Portal” on the header. If it reads “CBSA Portal”, you have been directed to the incorrect portal, so back out and try the login process again.
Do your homework. The legal entity name and address must exactly match what the CBSA has in their system, including any punctuation or abbreviations. Thoroughly review your business registry information or use the CBSA’s helpline to crosscheck the information they have listed.
Get your bearings. Understand where to look or whom to ask for transaction totals and Statement of Account (SOA) information needed to respond to the verification questions. Your broker or the CBSA can provide this information.

Request CBSA Balance/Transaction Assistance

Through the CCP, importers and delegated service providers will have the ability to manage a variety of customs processes.

You’ll be able to:

manage your CBSA notices (importer only)
view your transactions and monthly SOA
electronically pay your customs duties, taxes, and fees directly to the CBSA

apply for customs rulings
apply for temporary import permits (R2)
work with Commercial Accounting Declarations (CADs) (R2)
make individual corrections and prepare mass adjustments to a CAD (R2)

Request CCP Registration Assistance

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where can importers find their Business Number and import account number?

The Business Number, commonly referred to as a “BN9”, is a nine-digit number assigned to your business by the CRA on registration. It can be found on your CRA business account and correspondence, business registration documents and other business filings.

The import account number registered under the business number is identified by the suffix RM and four digits, together known as a BN15.The import account number can be found on your Daily Notice (DN), Statement of Account (SOA), CBSA correspondence, and import declaration documentation.

How can importers determine a legal name and address for CCP registration purposes?

What comes after CCP Registration?

After you register in the CCP, you’ll begin the process of establishing user accounts for your employees. You will also link user accounts of your third-party service providers with your business.

ProTip: It is important to assign another employee to be a secondary BAM and approve your broker access to your account before CARM is fully deployed. Always check to ensure the right people have access to your account. Let’s get started!

Go to Step 3: Delegation Process CARM Resources

NOTE: All details pertaining to R2 processes are based on the current information available at the time of writing. As this is subject to change, it’s recommended you periodically check in with the CBSA or your broker.

CARM