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CARM: The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) Assessment & Revenue Management
CARM: The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) Assessment & Revenue Management

All about CARM—features, benefits and implementation steps for processing taxes through the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA)

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Written by Maureen
Updated over 3 months ago

If your products pass through Canadian customs, as a Canadian importer or non-resident importer (NRI) you need to understand the upcoming changes to how taxes and duties are processed.

Effective date: October 21, 2024

What is CARM?

CBSA (Canadian Border Services Agency) is changing the method to assesses and collects duties and taxes on commercial goods imported into Canada. The CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management) is a digital initiative that will help modernize and streamline this process.

CARM will become the official system of record on October 21 2024, CARM represents a significant shift in how businesses interact with the CBSA.

Key Features and Benefits

1. Harmonized Billing Cycles: CARM introduces harmonized billing cycles, simplifying the payment process for businesses. This change ensures that all importers follow a consistent schedule, reducing confusion and administrative burden.

2. Enhanced Transparency: The initiative provides detailed insights into duties and taxes, improving transparency and accountability. Businesses can access comprehensive information about their transactions, helping them make informed decisions.

3. Simplified Processes: By digitizing and automating many procedures, CARM reduces the administrative workload for businesses. This modernization effort aims to make the importation process more efficient and less time-consuming.

4. Client Portal: A dedicated CARM Client Portal allows importers to manage their accounts, track shipments, and make payments online. This portal is designed to be user-friendly, providing a centralized platform for all import related activity.

To understand more details and requirements, go here.

Preparing for Implementation

Businesses need to take several steps to prepare for the transition to CARM:

  • Register for an import/export program account to receive a Non-Resident Importer (NRI) number.

  • Create an account in the CARM Client Portal (CCP).

  • Purchase a D120 Customs Bond in order to participate in the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) privilege – this allows you to obtain the release of goods from the CBSA before paying duties and taxes, deferring accounting – or pay duties and taxes on the spot each time a shipment crosses the border.

  • Authorize your customs broker to access your CARM data. While brokers will still submit customs entries, payment must be made in the client portal.

  • Reconcile shipments and pay duties and taxes through your CCP account.

FAQ:

What do I have to do for this initiative in October?

If DCL customer is going to pay D&T, Customer will have to register in the CARM portal before October 2024. Use this link to register.

What changes will I see with DCL billing?

Duties and taxes will no longer be billed directly by the carrier. Instead, they will be billed in the CARM portal.

What if I don't register in time?

A Release Prior to Payment (RPP) transition period will be introduced and will last for 6 months. See details at CARM Release 2 Documents / Documents de la version 2 de la GCRA - Google Drive

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