CARM – An Introduction

CARM is an acronym for CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management and is a multi-year initiative that will transform and modernize the payment process for remittance of duties and taxes to Canada Revenue Agency. As one of the largest collectors of revenue for the government of Canada, CBSA has undertaken this initiative to sustain Canada’s competitive advantage in trade. This will result in the creation of an online portal accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Once CARM is released it will allow importers to;

• Use online tools to classify goods, and calculate duties and taxes
• Submit e-declarations
• Make e-payments and view up-to-date account information
• Become paperless by default

and once fully implemented, CARM will;

• Make it easier for businesses to work with Canada Border Services Agency
• Improve consistency in applying trade rules and decisions
• Reduce repetitive information requirements

What does this mean?

Currently importers can use the bond that their Customs Broker has in place to release shipments without posting security. Once CARM is online, all importers will be required to post security to obtain customs release on their shipments. The options for security being discussed are a cash bond/credit card, or an RPP (release prior to payment) bond. After posting the proper security, importers will be able to obtain release on their goods and pay for any duties or taxes directly to the Canada Revenue Agency by the last working day of the month.

The goal was to have CARM begin functionality in October of 2020 with full implementation planned by April of 2021. This timeline has been updated. The CARM client portal will begin registration in the spring of 2021 with full implementation planned for 2022.

What should you do? 

Once the online portal is up and running in, there will be multiple ways to identify yourself. One option would be the ability to verify your identity by having you log into your bank account at a registered financial institution. Another identifying option would be to obtain a GCKEY. A GCKEY allows you to securely access services offered online by the Government of Canada. This GCKEY will provide you access to the CARM portal. Orbit Brokers is monitoring the release of further CARM information by CBSA and will update you as more details become available.

Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.