CARM Registration

The CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) digital initiative is changing how CBSA assesses and collects duties and taxes on commercial goods imported into Canada. Starting October 2024, importers pay duties and taxes directly to CBSA.

Importers must register on the CARM Client Portal and properly delegate access to employees and all relevant third parties, such as customs brokers and trade consultants. The customs broker will then be able to continue managing both imports and CARM procedures.

To complete your CARM PORTAL REGISTRATION:

1. Create login credentials and a user account in the CARM Client Portal (see video tutorial or follow onboarding user guides).

2. Link your user account to your RM account (tutorial).

If your Business Number has been used to import goods in the past six years, you will be asked to answer affinity (verification) questions. If you are having trouble answering these questions, please reach out to ra@dilas.ca.

3. Delegate authority to DILAS INTERNATIONAL LTD (tutorial).

Approve the request by selecting “All programs,” then Access: “Business management.” Check all three boxes under “Transaction visibility rules” – this will allow DILAS to validate supply chain transmissions and support in your CBSA statement reconciliation.

4. Enroll in The Release Prior to Payment (RPP) Sub-Program and obtain a financial bond.

See below for an overview and consult CBSA’s official step-by-step guide on how to post a bond.

To receive goods prior to paying duties and taxes on them, importers must be enrolled in The Release Prior to Payment (RPP) Sub-Program on CARM and have a form of financial security called bond.

Based on the required bond amount, you can decide which option works best for your business:

• Option 1: 50% of the highest monthly duties and taxes payment, with a minimum financial security of $5,000 per Import program (RM account). We partnered up with ACERA Insurance if you would like to opt for this non-electronic (surety) bond; contact us for their application form. Pricing starts at $350/year.
• Option 2: A cash deposit for 100% of the highest monthly duties and taxes payment for your Importer Number. This deposit is NOT used to pay your duties and taxes. A cash bond is recoverable upon closure of the importer account.

For technical assistance, contact the CARM Client Support Help Desk (CCSH):

• Client support contact form
• Phone: 1-800-461-9999, menu option 2 – CBSA Assessment, Revenue Management & CARM
• Email at CARM_Engagement-Engagement_de_la_GCRA.ASFC@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
• CCSH hours of operation are Mon to Fri, 7 am to 7 pm ET.