CARM Compliance for Canadian Importers
CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management) changes how import duties, taxes, statements, broker access, and financial security are managed. If you import into Canada, your CARM setup directly impacts your ability to clear shipments smoothly.
- Prevent shipment delays caused by setup or authorization issues
- Maintain control of your importer account and broker access
- Improve visibility into duties, taxes, and statements
What is CARM?
CARM is the CBSA platform used to manage importer accounts, duty/tax payments, statements, broker authorization, and financial security. Importers are responsible for managing key account functions through the CARM Client Portal.
Duties & Taxes
Centralized payment and account visibility in one place.
Broker Authorization
You control which broker can act on your behalf.
Financial Security
Security (bond or cash) supports release and payment processes.
What importers must do
- Register in the CARM Client Portal
- Link your Business Number (BN9) import program
- Delegate authority to your customs broker
- Set up financial security if required
- Monitor statements and payments
If CARM isn’t set up correctly
- Shipment release delays
- Broker authorization errors
- Unexpected payment requirements
- Loss of Release Prior to Payment privileges
What you gain by being CARM-ready
Visibility
Better insight into statements and duties.
Control
Clear broker authorization and ownership.
Compliance
Reduced risk of clearance disruptions.
Speed
Fewer delays from setup errors.
How we help importers
Registration guidance
Help completing CARM setup correctly.
Delegation setup
Ensure your broker is properly authorized.
Security & compliance
Guidance on bonding and ongoing requirements.
Contact us and we’ll guide you through the required steps.
Your CARM Compliance Journey
Register in CARM
Create your importer profile inside the CARM Client Portal.
Link BN9 Account
Validate your importer program and company information.
Delegate Broker
Authorize your customs broker to act on your behalf.
Post Security
Set financial security to maintain Release Prior to Payment.
Import Without Delays
Your shipments clear smoothly and compliantly.