Preparing for the  CBSA CARM Initiative

Source: CBSA Website

Customs Notice 24-18: CARM: Changes to the Registration and Maintenance of Program Accounts for Importers and Exporters (RM)

Ottawa, May 13, 2024

1. On April 19, 2024, the CBSA issued a news release to communicate its intention to reschedule the launch of the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) system to Trade Chain Partners (TCPs) to October 21, 2024.

2. As a result, the CARM system did not become the official system of record that importers and other TCPs will use to account for imported goods and pay for duties and taxes, on May 13, 2024 as previously communicated.

Understanding the October 2024 external launch date

3. The CBSA’s announcement to reschedule the external launch of the CARM system was in response to uncertainty in the current labour environment, where potential labour disruptions could negatively impact the external implementation of the CARM system. CBSA employees are critically important to supporting and assisting TCPs in their transition to CARM.

4. The external launch of CARM is being delayed until October 21, 2024 (the next integrated Information Technology release window).

If you are a customs broker, here's how you can prepare for CARM Release 1 and 2:

•  At Release 1, set up your CARM Client Portal user account by acquiring a GCKey or using a Sign-In Partner and link to your business account

•  Remind your importer clients to create their Portal account and delegate authority to your company so that you can transact business with the CBSA on their behalf

•  Prior to Release 2, talk to your importer clients about their financial security options related to Release Prior to Payment

•  If you have your own customs software to transmit information to CBSA electronically, you will need to make systems changes. Refer to the Electronic Commercial Client Requirements Document (Chapters 24 and 26) for more details