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Export Compliance
Shipping to Canada: What You Need to Know About CARM
On: December 6, 2023 | By: 
Mitch Kostoulakos |
3 min. read
If you are a Canadian importer or non-resident importer (NRI) you will want to get up to speed on CARM, which will be fully implemented in May 2024. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) project is a multi-year digital initiative that will change how CBSA collects duties and taxes for goods imported into Canada. Through CARM, CBSA will modernize and streamline the process of importing commercial goods.
How CARM Affects U.S. Exporters
CARM is relevant to U.S. exporters because many of them act as NRIs in Canada. An NRI is a business located outside of Canada that ships goods to consumers, retailers or businesses in Canada and assumes responsibility for customs clearance and other import-related requirements. Online U.S. businesses that sell in Canada, for example, may use the NRI program.
Before May 2024, importers and other trade chain partners need to register and adapt their systems and business practices. At first glance, the process appears daunting. However, CBSA has provided plenty of resources, including webinars and a detailed user guide.
How to Register for CARM
Most importers and NRIs will engage their Canadian customs broker for help with CARM. While this is a good idea, CBSA makes it clear that:
- Importers need to register their businesses and delegate a business account manager in CARM as soon as possible.
- Customs brokers need to get their clients to register and may need new software.
- If you are a trade consultant, find out what you need to do to advise your clients.
The CARM onboarding steps are:
- Obtain a Business Number. Current importers and NRIs will already have a BN.
- Create a CARM account portal.
- Link user account with business account.
- Grant access to employees or representatives.
- Conduct business with CBSA.
CARM Tips
Here are a few pro tips from a recent CBSA webinar:
- During initial setup select a Sign-In Partner or create a GC key. The Sign-In Partner option allows users to log in through the web portal of their financial service provider. Sign-In Partners are financial institutions and banks that have partnered with Secure Key Technologies to enable their customers to use their online credentials to log in to other secure sites. A GC Key is a unique credential that protects your communications with online Government programs and services.
- Users have the option to set up multifactor authorization, a personal profile and preferences.
- Register a Business Account Manager (BAM) in the CARM portal. CBSA recommends at least two BAMs to ensure account access in the event of staff changes.
- Request a Statement of Account from customs brokers to answer any questions about transactions during the onboarding process. The CARM portal will bring all information together.
- Decide delegation of authority to employees, customs brokers, consultants, etc.
This article is a brief overview of CARM and will, hopefully, help importers and NRIs start the process with time to spare before May 2024. I have always found the CBSA website to be user-friendly and strongly recommend consulting it for research.
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