The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) project is changing the way that commercial goods are imported into Canada and the CARM Client Portal allows for self-service access for importers. On May 25, 2021, the CARM Client Portal went live, and we want to be sure that you are taking the necessary next steps.
CARM is a new multi-phase, multi-year initiative which will modernize, streamline and transform the collection of duties and taxes on goods imported into Canada. CARM allows trade chain partners to have an online cloud-based portal where they can view their business numbers, apply for new business numbers, make payment of duties and taxes, view their statement of accounts with CBSA, and much more.
Implementation of CARM will occur in three phases/releases
Release 0 – January 2021
- The Accounts Receivable Ledger (ARL) went live.
Release 1 – May 25, 2021
- CARM Client Portal went live with basic functions for importers, customs brokers, and trade consultants and includes:
- Ability to grant access to your portal account to third-party service provider (customs broker, trade consultant)
- New Online payment options (credit card payments, pre-authorized debit, etc.)
- Tools to help classify goods and estimate duties and taxes
- Application Program Interface (API) to retrieve tariff data
- Ability to electronically request rulings and track their progress
Release 2 – October 2023
- Release all functionality for the CARM client portal
- Open to all trade community
- Business registration & program enrolment
- Electronic commercial accounting declarations with ability for corrections and adjustments (replacing current B3 & B2)
- Changes to Release Prior to Payment requirements for Bonds
- Harmonized billing cycles
- New offsetting options
- Electronic management for appeals and compliance actions
What does an importer need to do during Release 1? (Anytime after May 25, 2021)
- Obtain a Business Number and program account identifier (RM number)
- Register for the CARM Client Portal by creating an Individual User CARM Client Portal Account
- Follow the step-by-step instructions to get set up on the CARM Client Portal
- Link User Account with Business Account
- Grant Access to Employees, Representatives, and Broker
- Use the CARM Client Portal
Why is it important to register?
- It’s important to register early to ensure there are no disruptions to your Import activity (this will not happen in Release 1 – but if you aren’t registered you will experience delays once Release 2 opens)
- To become familiar and comfortable with using the portal
- To ensure you have the correct parties as delegated authorities
A tip to keep in mind!
- The first person to register for a business will be considered the account manager, so be sure to have the correct person at your organization registering for the CARM Client Portal.
Update: CARM Inactive User Profiles Being Deactivated
CARM Client Portal user profiles which are inactive for more than 180 consecutive days are automatically deactivated. To avoid your user profile being deactivated, ensure that you are logging in to maintain your active status. In the event that your profile has been deactivated you can reach out to the CARM Support Helpdesk (1-800-461-9999) to have it reactivated. The CBSA has stated that they will be addressing this issue and at this point it is only impacting personal user accounts, there is no impact on business account registrations.
CARM Importer Security Bond
As part of the CBSA CARM initiative release 2, importers will soon be required to secure and post their own importer security bond in order to participate in the Release Prior to Payment Privilege (RPP). Previously, a customs broker was able to use their own customs bond on behalf of their clients, and this will no longer be allowed under CARM early in 2023.
RPP allows for importers and customs brokers to obtain a release of goods from the CBSA and defer payment of duties and taxes as well as the accounting of these fees. If an importer does not have their own security bond, they will no longer be able to recognize these benefits under RPP and will need to pay duty and taxes prior to goods being released by the CBSA.
For more information, or to start this process, please reach out to Buckland carm@buckland.com.
We know that the changes coming with CARM can be overwhelming, but rest assured that Buckland will be working hand in hand with our customers to ensure that they have the information required to successfully transition into each release of CARM.
Helpful links from the CBSA:
- Visit the CARM CBSA website
- View CARM support resources on CARM Google Drive
- CBSA Video: How to create login credentials and a user account in the CARM Portal
- CBSA Video: How to set up a delegation of authority for employees in the CARM Client Portal
- CBSA Video: How to manage a client group in the CARM Client Portal
- Questions? Email: CBSA.CARM_Engagement-Engagement_de_la_GCRA.ASFC@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
- Join the CARM LinkedIn Group
- Join the CARM GCcollab Forum
- Join the CARM distribution list, reach out to the CBSA.CARM_Engagement-Engagement_de_la_GCRA.ASFC@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
Access our Webinar
To learn how to register for the CARM Client Portal, watch our webinar from April 20, 2021, featuring a step-by-step presentation with our special guests from the CBSA to help you better understand the process.
Download your CARM Release 1 Checklist
Check out our downloadable learning guide to get a step-by-step checklist of the tasks you need to complete to be prepared for CARM. Complete the form on this page and click submit and the learning guide will be emailed to your inbox immediately.
Download your Register for the CARM Client Portal Guide
Make registration easy with these step by step instructions to walk you through the process of signing up for the CARM Client Portal and delegating authority to your broker.
Download CARM FAQ Guide
Access our frequently asked questions guide for answers to the most common CARM questions.
Listen to our How to Register for the CARM Client Portal Podcast
On this episode of the Beyond Borders Podcast, we are joined by Sara Hiebert, Account Manager at Buckland. Sara walks listeners through the steps to easily get registered for the CARM Client Portal.