March 16, 2020 – The CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) system will simplify business processes, modernize the accounting for duties and taxes on imported goods, and will offer several online self-service tools to make it easier for you to access your account information and interact with the CBSA.
CBSA is getting ready for the initial launch of the CARM Client Portal in winter 2020/21 for importers and customs brokers. Once launched, you will need to create a user account and set up your business on the CARM Client Portal. To access the CARM Client Portal, you will need a valid business number (BN) and program account identifier (RM). If you do not currently have a BN or RM, you will need to contact the Canada Revenue Agency.
To facilitate a smooth transition, the CBSA will launch CARM as follows:
Fall 2020: The CBSA will provide current clients (Importers and customs brokers) with the ability to sign up on the CARM Client Portal to create, view, manage their accounts, make payments, file advanced ruling requests, delegate access to customs brokers online and otherwise become familiar with CARM self-serve options.
Summer 2021: The CBSA will replace the current B3 (customs coding form) and B2 (adjustment request) forms and related processes with a new electronic declaration form, called the Commercial Accounting Declaration (CAD). Changes to the billing cycle will be introduced to harmonize the payment due dates for all transactions and simplify the ways account information can be corrected and adjusted. In addition, changes to the Release Prior to Payment Program will be introduced whereby importers interested in participating in the program will be asked to post financial security directly, with various online options.
In March and April 2020, the CARM project team will be delivering a series of webinars to engage the trade chain community and help its members seamlessly transition to CARM. Stay tuned for registration details.
Key Changes:
- The CARM Client Portal will be accessible to all CBSA commercial clients in mid-2021.
- Importers and customs brokers should plan to create their user account and set up their business on the CARM Client Portal beginning in Winter2020/21.
- Trade chain partners must determine who will have access to their account to conduct business on their behalf, such as employees and/or customs broker. Other third parties can be delegated in mid-2021.
Once fully launched in 2021, the CARM Client Portal will be accessible to all CBSA commercial clients with additional changes such as the ability to:
- Acquire a BN directly through the portal, enroll in numerous CBSA programs, and obtain a RM number
- Submit, correct, and adjust commercial accounting declarations (also available via electronic data interchange (EDI))
- Post and manage financial security to take advantage of Release Prior to Payment (RPP) privileges
- Delegate authority to third-party service providers to manage import activities
Key Benefits:
- Provides visibility and control over the importing process
- Introduces tools that will help classify goods and estimate duties and taxes
- Allows for the ability to submit and track ruling requests electronically
- Provides a central location to access transaction history
If you are an electronic data interchange client, changes to your systems will be required. The updated Electronic Commercial Client Requirements Document will be available in spring 2020.
In keeping with the Government of Canada’s Business Number Adoption Strategy, all commercial clients will require a business number to create an account in the CARM Client Portal.
The second edition of the CARM Quarterly, a newsletter for the trade community, as well as an Important Information for Importing into Canada fact sheet are now available. More detailed information, as well as confirmed timelines, will be shared in the coming months.
Regular updates on the project will be posted on the CBSA website.
CARM Quarterly Vol.2. March2020 English
CARM Quarterly Vol.2. March 2020 French
Information for Importing into Canada fact sheet English
Information for Importing into Canada fact sheet French
For questions about the CARM project and/or to register for future CARM-related communications, contact CARM Engagement (cbsa.carm_engagement-engagement_de_la_gcra.asfc@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca).