CARM READY?

CARM → Two Easy Steps

The day finally seems to be in sight - May 13, 2024 CARM will become the official system of record for the collection of duties and taxes in Canada.

For those of you who have not heard, CBSA has developed a modernized system for all importers called CARM. Customs Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) is a mandatory and modernized system which gives more transparency between customs and importers.

What does this mean for you?

Every importer must be registered on the CARM portal and have posted their own financial security with CBSA. The financial security should be in the form of a bond, which Arrival can facilitate obtaining. Note that there is a grace period of 180 days from May 13th to put the bond in place.

Failing to register on the CARM portal by May 13, 2024 will result in delays importing. If you do not have your financial security in place prior to the expiry of the 180 days grace period you will face delays importing.

STEP 1:

What should I do today?

As soon as possible,(before May 13th, 2024), Register on the CARM portal here: CARM Client Portal

The registration is simple:

1a- Register yourself, and anyone else in your organization who should have access, on the CARM portal. You will find attached PDF documents with all the instructions to follow with screenshots.

Arrival will be able to assist you, especially with the security questions. If required, you can email us (CARM@Arrival.ca) or give us a call and we will give you the support you need.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1b- Delegate authorization to Arrival; Giving us BAM access to simplify our interaction, to set visibility rules, and to allow us to provide you with the best support possible.

Please, note that if you do not see a pending request for delegation of authority from us please, email carm@arrival.ca

Once completed, kindly send an email to CARM@Arrival.ca confirming your registration.

How to Delegate Authority

STEP 2:

How do you post Financial Security?

With CARM, Importers will no longer be able to use their customs brokers’ security and will need to have their own in place with CBSA.

Importers will have the following options:.

Option 1: a financial security instrument for 50% of their highest monthly accounts receivable (inclusive of GST) with a minimum financial security of $25,000 per import program (RM) - you will be able to choose if you want to apply for a paper bond or an electronic bond.

Option 2: cash deposit for 100% of their highest monthly accounts receivable (inclusive of GST)

Arrival highly recommends option 1 in the form of a bond and will facilitate obtaining and maintaining the bond through our service provider who has been approved by CBSA.

Up until May 13th, 2024, paper based bonds will be the only option available. While they have been around for many years, they are cumbersome to put in place and can take several weeks to be put in place with CBSA. After May 13th, and during the 180 day grace period, Arrival will be able to obtain and maintain your bond electronically through our API.

Please let us know if you would like to get your security in place now or if you would like to wait for the API interface (After May 13th, 2024) by email to: CARM@arrival.ca

*Note that while we recommend posting security sooner than later the current process takes several weeks. The API (Electronic Bond) service has not yet been launched, but will ultimately be much more efficient.

CARM Guidebook