CBSA CARM Quarterly Newsletter #3

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. Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) recently published the CARM project newsletter vol.3 November 2020 and provides revised timelines of this initiative.

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

Timelines updated
The CBSA has revised its timelines for the CARM project, resulting in new implementation dates for Release 0, Release 1, and Release 2.

  • Release 0 – Winter 2020/2021
  • Release 1 – Spring 2021
  • Release 2 – Spring 2022

At Release 1, using the CARM Client Portal, Trade Chain Partners will have the ability to grant access of their portal business account to employees and third-party service providers (e.g., customs brokers), allowing them to manage commercial importation activities on their behalf. Note: Only importers, customs brokers, and trade consultants will be able to access the CARM Client Portal at Release 1, and therefore, delegate access accordingly.

With Release 1, importers, customs brokers and trade consultants will need to create their portal Business Account and designate a Business Account Manager (BAM)–the BAM will be responsible for managing the day-to-day aspects of the account (e.g. assigning privileges, approving delegation of authority requests, etc.).

With Release 2, all functions in the CARM Client Portal will open to trade community. Business registration and program enrollment, Electronic commercial accounting declarations with ability for corrections and adjustments, Changes to Release Prior to Payment (RPP) requirements for bonds, Harmonized billing cycles, new offsetting options and Electronic management for appeals and compliance actions.

All users of the CARM Client Portal will be required to create their individual portal user accounts.

Stay tuned for more information on how to prepare for CARM!

Review Chapters 24 and 26 of the Electronic Commercial Clients Requirements Document (ECCRD), designed to provide system specifications for key technical changes under CARM.

For more information visit CBSA CARM  main webpage.

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).