Understanding CARM

CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) is a Canada Border Services Agency initiative that modernizes and streamlines the collection of duties and taxes on commercial goods imported into Canada. CARM replaces legacy paper-based billing with a digital client portal — the CARM Client Portal (CCP) — giving importers direct visibility into their customs accounts.

The CBSA's commercial importing checklist calls for registration in the CARM Client Portal, a business number and an import program account before importing. Your business should control its own account access. If you use a customs representative, delegate the appropriate authority in the portal.

Financial security applies to the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) sub-program. Importers choosing RPP must enrol and meet its current security requirements. Basic CARM registration alone does not establish RPP eligibility. Confirm your release and payment arrangements before shipping instead of assuming another business's security covers your imports.

Review your CARM transactions, statements of account and applicable payment deadlines using the official portal and current CBSA guidance. Responsibilities depend on your account and release arrangements. Keep your shipping and finance teams aligned so payments, adjustments and discrepancies receive timely attention.

SJK Global provides guidance on CARM registration, delegation of authority and account administration. We can help you identify questions about your release and payment arrangements while your business retains control of its own account and credentials. Contact our team to discuss the support appropriate for your import program.