• Creating a CARM Client Portal (CCP) business account will be required to import goods into Canada and enable businesses to transact directly with the CBSA.
• A commercial importer must designate a Business Account Manager (BAM) from their company to create and manage their CCP business account.
• The BAM must create a user account and input the importer’s company information to complete the setup of a CCP business account.
• The BAM will be asked to provide import transaction information contained in the importer’s Daily Notices (DNs) and monthly Statement of Account (SOA).
• Once the CCP business account is set up, additional BAMs can be designated to assist in the management of the account.

• The importer’s BAM can grant this authorization to their third-party service providers (e.g., customs brokers) to enable them to manage their commercial importation activities via the CCP.
• Multiple customs brokers can be delegated to manage an importer’s commercial import activities. Importers must delegate each broker separately by logging into their CCP account and accepting the notification they receive from each one, to accept their business relationship.
• In CARM Release 3, only an importers’ delegated customs broker(s) will be able to perform customs entry filing and duty and tax assessment services on their behalf.
• The Delegation of Authority is an additional requirement and does not replace the current requirement for a  General Agency Agreement (GAA)/ Power of Attorney (POA)  to act on an importer’s behalf.

Starting at Release 3, a customs broker’s RPP financial security agreement (e.g., surety bond) will no longer extend to commercial importers. Consequently, commercial importers will need to post their own financial security (i.e., financial security agreement or cash deposit) to account for all imported goods with the CBSA.

Note: The RPP program allows for the electronic release of imported goods before payment of duties and taxes.

The CBSA has developed a transition plan. See plan for timelines.

All commercial importers must plan ahead and reach out to surety providers to meet this requirement. A list of surety providers is available on the Surety Association of Canada website. Alternatively, FedEx Express can assist importers in  posting a bond. For more information, email us at CARMPROFILE@fedex.com.

Although the CARM Client Portal already offers customers the option to pay the CBSA directly,  this option won’t be available for FedEx Express customers until Release 3:

• Until Release 3, FedEx Express will continue to pay the CBSA for any duties and taxes calculated on the imported goods released on behalf of importers. The amount will be invoiced to the importer accordingly; and therefore, direct payment should not be made to the CBSA during this period.
• Starting in Release 3, importers who want to pay the CBSA directly must notify FedEx Express in advance by completing and submitting this agreement by email. For assistance, email clearancehelpline@fedex.com.
• For importers who do not notify FedEx Express about their preference to pay the CBSA directly, we will continue to handle the payment on their behalf even after CARM goes into effect.

If you’re a new commercial importer or a shipper looking to become a non-resident importer (NRI) for goods imported into Canada, you’ll need a valid BN and Import-Export program account (RM) number. For more information, please see the CBSA’s Step-by-Step Guide to Importing. 

Starting in Release 3, commercial resident importers must apply for their BN and RM through the CARM Client Portal (CCP). Non-resident importers are also required to apply for their RM through the CCP but must continue to use the CRA’s BN number registration process to obtain a BN.

The CBSA requires importers to retain all records of their imports into Canada for six years following importation. These records must be kept in Canada, the US, or Mexico. Non-compliance may result in monetary penalties. For more information, please see the CBSA website.

CARM Release 3 now in effect. Registration is mandatory.