The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) is prepared to launch a new portal to streamline the commercial border process with the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) digital initiative. Scheduled for internal deployment at the CBSA in early May, followed by a rollout to trade chain partners in the fall of 2024, CARM represents a transformative shift in how duties and taxes are assessed and collected on commercial goods entering Canada.

UPDATE (MAY 9, 2024): The CBSA announced the postponement of CARM’s rollout from May 2024 to October 2024. CARM transforms tax and duty collection for imports into Canada, requiring importer action starting October 2024. Learn more below.

What is the CARM Portal?

Beginning in October 2024, CARM will become the official system for importers and other trade chain partners, streamlining processes and enhancing compliance. The industry’s proactive engagement is evident, with approximately 71,500 importers already registered in CARM, representing over 92 percent of imported goods volume. (Source: CBSA phasing in CARM: launching internally for CBSA use as planned in May and later in the fall for trade chain partners – Canada.ca)

Beyond safeguarding and growing $40 billion in annual revenue for Canadians, CARM offers several benefits for cross-border trade, including:

• Elimination of time-consuming paper-based processes
• Use of advanced tools for CBSA to focus compliance and enforcement efforts
• Improved functionality for importers through the CARM Client Portal, enabling enrollment in commercial programs, submission of accounting documents, and receive notifications

The internal launch of CARM at the CBSA is the beginning of an effort towards better compliance. Leveraging CARM, the agency says it will identify errors and discrepancies in duty and tax submissions, and address concerns highlighted by the Auditor General of Canada, who estimated a misclassification rate of up to 20% for goods entering Canada.

As the CBSA transitions to CARM, collaboration and engagement remains paramount. Together, the agency and its partners are excited to embrace the opportunities presented by CARM, including driving efficiency, compliance, and innovation in border management. It’s expected that the new system will benefit cross-border trucking companies, importers, and the CBSA.

How do I register for CARM?

For more details on the program, and to sign in or register for a CARM Account, visit: CARM: Assess and pay duties and taxes on imported commercial goods (cbsa-asfc.gc.ca)

There is additional guidance available for businesses looking to get signed up with CARM operating in the following areas:

• Customs bonded warehouse licensees
• Importers
• Customs brokers
• Trade consultants, financial security providers and other trade chain partners

You can find the additional guidance, including registration dates, online here: Get started with CARM (cbsa-asfc.gc.ca)

Need help with the CARM Client Portal? Client support: CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (cbsa-asfc.gc.ca)

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